Half distance is a full-on fun run

For those who consider the full 26 miles of next month's London Marathon to be a little far - a run later in the year isn't half a good idea.

The Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon is aiming to get more than 12,000 people running through the heart of London and raising millions of pounds for charity.

Starting and finishing in Hyde Park, the 13-mile (20-km) route takes in St James's Park, Green Park and Kensington Gardens.

Runners get a view of some of London's most famous sights along the way.

Registration has already begun after two athletes gave a demonstration in Hyde Park of free running, or parkour, over models of some of the attractions on the route - Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament and Nelson's Column.

Celebrities already signed up for the October 12 event include Olympians Daley Thompson and James Cracknell, TV's Ben Fogle and rugby player Keith Wood.

Former Olympic gold medallist Thompson said: "Great races such as this are perfect opportunities to involve people in healthy activity and to promote the fun - and the challenge - of completing personal fitness goals."

Entry costs £39 and each racer receives a running pack and sports T-shirt plus a medal for finishing.

You can register online at www.royalparkshalf.com.