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Pace guide
This is a running tour, not a race. We run at the pace of the gentlest runner among us and we don't leave anyone behind. Each tour has a guide pace to keep you in your comfort zone
Festively fast
Merrily Medium
Sub 10 minute miles.
You usually run 10k in under 1 hour
10-12 minute miles.
You usually run 10k between 1hr and 1hr 15 mins.
You usually run 5k between 31 and 37 mins
Gentle jingle
Walk/run intervals
12-13 minute miles.
You usually run 10k between 1 hr 15 mins and 1 hr 20 mins
You usually run 5k between 37 mins and 40 mins
"jeffing" - mixing up short intervals of gentle jogging with walking. We'll aim for 1 minute of running: 30 seconds of walking but will adapt to the needs of the group
These paces are not designed as cut-offs but to give you peace of mind when you sign up. If you've got any pacing-related queries please email josh@secretlondonruns.com. If you're on the borderline of groups, we recommend joining the faster one.
Private bookings 2024
Book your own private guide(s) for your running club, office or group of friends to explore London's Christmas lights at a date/time of your choice. Some 2024 dates are already booked up - please get in touch early to secure your preferred date.
Merry reviews
"A brilliant event, I'd thoroughly recommend this to any Christmas-loving runner! Fab fun, great atmosphere, knowledgeable and friendly guide, everyone was made welcome it was such a super & unique way to see the festive lights."
LARISSA
5* TRIPADVISOR REVIEW
"Took part in the Yule Jog 10k last night - 24 Santa’s, 1 reindeer and 2 elves (I was one of them)! Absolutely brilliant tour, Matt was an amazing leader, funny and entertaining and kept us all together. Had an amazing time, so much fun and all ready for Christmas now! Highly recommend! The biggest question is what’s the costume next year?!"
JANE DAVIS
FACEBOOK RECCOMENDATION
"What a fantastic evening! A great way to see the lights, some of which I didn’t even know existed! Sophie was excellent with great guiding all the way round and lots of information about the sights, traditions and general facts about the places we visited. A definite for next year."
KIRSTY
5* TRIPADVISOR REVIEW
"I organised a private Christmas lights 10k running tour for my running mates and have to say from the ease of booking to the actual event itself it was fantastic! Our tour guide Cat was great fun and knowledgeable and we had lots of laughs along the way. The route was fab as we got to see so many wonderful light displays that normally we wouldn’t get the opportunity to admire and had lots of fab photos taken whilst singing along to festive tunes. Thanks Cat and to the Secret London Runs team - we will be back"
HAIDEE
5* TRIPADVISOR REVIEW
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Luggage storage
Get 2 hours of free storage at Luggage Hero's facilities all over London. Our routes are usually circular, meaning you can take advantage of our partnership with Luggage Hero and store your warm clothes for after the tour. A booking fee, optional insurance and a charge for storage exceeding 2 hours applies, but it's still very reasonable - especially if you pool your items into one bag! You'll get the link for free storage when you sign up.
FAQS
HOW FAST DO I NEED TO BE?
Our tours are about having fun and celebrating Christmas. No one's setting any PBs. We operate on a strict "no one gets left behind" policy, which means we run at the pace of the gentlest runner in our group. Each group has a guide pace to keep you in your comfort zone, so please pick the pace that best suits you. To be inclusive, the Gentle Jingle is often very gentle, so if you usually run within the pace guidelines of 'Merrily Medium' or 'Festively Fast' then please do sign up for those. There are two walking tour dates this Christmas too.
IS THERE A BAG DROP?
All our running tours are circular this year meaning you can take advantage of our partnership with Luggage Hero. Luggage Hero have storage facilities all over London and they're giving Secret London Runs customers 2 hours of free storage. You'll get the link when you sign up.
ARE CHILDREN WELCOME?
Accompanied children are welcome at any tour where they are comfortable with the guide pace, with an adult who takes full responsibility for their safety.
WHAT IF I NEED TO CHANGE MY DATE?
When you book online you'll get a link to change your booking any time up until one-week prior to your tour.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING/WEAR?
Wear your festive best, and clothes suitable for running/walking. We just need your name at registration - there's no need to print off your ticket.
NEW
Half marathon Christmas lights tour
In case you haven't guessed, we REALLY love Christmas lights. And on a 10k tour you don't see all the lights all over London. So last year, we created our own, on a self-guided, GPS audio tour, leading runners round a twinkling half marathon route with more lights than ever before.