The 11th Capital Challenge

A 28-mile walk through London's vibrant green spaces awaits enthusiastic pedestrians on the horizon. Organized by the Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA) London Group, this urban adventure celebrates the city’s lush parks and historic landmarks while maintaining a commitment to sustainability.
The route winds its way through iconic locations such as Royal Parks, Hampstead Heath, Parkland Walk, Woodberry Wetlands, the River Lea, and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This scenic journey offers walkers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban charm, passing by various shops and cafes along the way. Historical sites and cultural points of interest are highlighted throughout the route description.
The walk is designed for leisurely strolls rather than athletic sprints; runners should look elsewhere as this event caters exclusively to those who prefer walking at a moderate pace. The terrain is mostly flat, with minimal mud thanks to the well-maintained paths through London’s parks and waterways.
Participants will gather near Waterloo station between 07:30 and 08:30 on the day of the event, starting in waves based on their expected walking speed. Hot drinks are available at the start line for a refreshing beginning, followed by four checkpoints where walkers can present their scannable identity cards to track progress.
Two of these checkpoint stops offer simple refreshments while others serve only as monitoring stations with no food or drink provided. To minimize plastic waste, participants should bring reusable water bottles and refill from strategically placed fountains along the route; pitchers of tap water will be available at some checkpoints when possible.
The finish line near Stratford station welcomes walkers by 18:30, offering refreshments for those who complete their journey. Public transportation is easily accessible nearby to help with travel arrangements both before and after the event.
Entry must be secured in advance as there are no on-site registrations available; LDWA membership costs £18 (or £15 via direct debit) and can be obtained at www.ldwa.org.uk for those not already members. Results will be published online shortly after completion, complete with split times provided by electronic tracking systems.
Young participants aged 11 to 18 must bring a completed parental consent form; under-16s require adult supervision throughout the event. For any inquiries or further information about this unique walking experience in London’s heart, contact Andrew Disley at [email protected].