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Our new audio-guided running tour will take you on an adventure through some of London's spookiest sights. Over a half marathon or 10km distance, you'll run (above ground) between the closed down 'ghost tube' stations that have stood disused and forgotten for decades.
Taking you to 11 (half marathon) or 7 (10k) ghost tube stations in total, your GPS location will trigger directions through your headphones. You'll also get audio commentary that reveals the secret past of the forgotten stations of the world's oldest underground railway.
Sign up today and take on the challenge at any time from October 1st 2024 until 30th April 2025 with an optional finisher medal upon completion.
This tour is all above ground. GPS does not work underground, and access to the insides of ghost tube stations is very limited.
AUDIO TOUR
How does it work?
GET READY
Sign up and you'll get a code to download the Run the Ghost Tubes Half Marathon or 10k tour on VoiceMap, an award winning audio tour app.
ON THE DAY
Head to the start location (outside Kings Cross station) at a time of your choice on any day from October 1st 2024 to 30th April 2025. Simply open the app, put your headphones on and hit "go" - you'll hear your first set of instructions.
ALONG THE WAY
Triggered by your GPS location, you'll receive more directions and commentary about the ghost tubes and other sights you're seeing along the way.
WHEN YOU FINISH
The half marathon and 10k both end near to Angel station - just down the road from the start point. Send us your finisher pics for our online Finisher's Gallery. You can also choose to receive a fantastic medal upon completion.
Reviews for our audio tours
“Such fun! Directions brilliant and awesome facts - thank you so much.”
Helen Tickner
“The sun was shining and London was simply gorgeous! Absolutely loved it, thank you Secret London Runs for putting together this run. The step by step instructions were spot on and I learnt a few new things too! “
Rina Vyas
“We had a great time. Great training for the London marathon in 6 weeks time!”
Sarah Gibson
“Great fun with good commentary.” Richard Tickner
“Loved the Thames Bridges Half” Steve Harlowe
What you'll see
The exact route of the tour will be revealed when you strap in and begin your audio tour. But over its duration you will see:
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Either 7 or 10 of London's forgotten ghost tube stations (depending on whether you choose the 10k or half marathon option)
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Many of London's biggest attractions, including Regents Park, Hyde Park, St. Paul's Cathedral and the River Thames
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Hidden sights, off the beaten track
We've been leading running tours of London for 9 years and can't wait to show you some more of London's best secret sights.
Starts at Kings Cross Station
For the half marathon go to Battle Bridge next to the Birdcage
For the 10k go to the corner of York Way and Goods Way
Finishes at Shoreditch High Street station🚅
I first started researching London's ghost tube stations 9 years ago - just after I'd set up Secret London Runs.
Underneath our feet, and often hiding in plain sight, are London's abandoned or "ghost" tube stations. Finally, I've put pen to paper and moved my research into a running tour of London.
Triggered by your GPS, you'll receive commentary through your headphones that tell you more about these stations. Why were they shut down? What happened there? And what ghastly and unexplained activities have taken place in the tunnels since their closure?"
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Vanessa Cain-Tait
Founder, Secret London Runs
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1. How fast do I need to be?All fitness levels are welcome. Each tour has a guide pace to keep you in your comfort zone. We operate on a "no one gets left behind basis" which means that we'll always run at the pace of the gentlest person in our lovely group. So please don't be nervous about joining us. But also, don't be afraid of signing up for a merrily medium or festively fast pace and the gentle jingle is often very gentle. There are also walking tours available of the 5k Christmas lights tour.
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2. Do you have a bag drop?Unfortunately we do not have a bag drop, especially with the tour starting and ending in different parts of London. Our tours are not races - so we advice packing light and bringing a running backpack for your essentials. If you need to store any items, we recommend using Luggage Hero before you come to your tour.
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3. What do I need to bring with me?Your ticket on your phone (we don't need a paper copy), water if you usually run with it. Wear warmer clothes than you usually would for a run of the length of your tour - we will be stopping around the run to for twinkly lights and festive history. Of course, we highly recommend all the Christmas fancy dress.
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4. Is the Christmas lights tour suitable for children?Yes - children are welcome, as long as they're accompanied by an adult who takes full responsibility for their safety whilst on the tour. Accompanied children are welcome at all our tours, as long as they're comfortable with the guide pace, but we do have 2 Family Special dates for the 5k Christmas lights tour, so you can bring little ones and know there are plenty of others there too.
Hall of Fame
Join our gallery of finishers from audio tours.
If your photo is missing from the gallery, please email hello@secretlondonruns.com and we can add you!
