The RunThrough Foundation LONDON TEN Presented by ASICS is a first-of-its-kind event with free ballot entry to help remove the financial barrier many people face to participating in running events. Despite the £0 price tag it is a fully organised, road-closed, mass-participation race where 5,000 runners will explore the iconic Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Sunday 15th December at 9am.
Entry fees are one of the most significant obstacles to participation and there has been much discussion about the accessibility of running given the cost of entering races. Studies such as Socioeconomic inequalities in sport participation published in the BMC Public Health Journal, have found links between higher socioeconomic standing and likelihood of participating in sporting activities. RunThrough and ASICS believe in the power of movement for everybody and wanted to create an inclusive space where anyone, regardless of background, income, or ability, can experience the joy and benefits of a professionally managed running event.
To maximise the opportunities afforded to those who would be most likely to benefit, entry has been determined through a ballot system and in line with the goals of the event, priority given to individuals from lower-income areas and first-time runners. Initial analysis indicates that over 51% of entrants are from areas of lower socioeconomic standing according to the most recently available English government data on indices of deprivation.
Matt Wood, Co-Founder of RunThrough, said: “The RunThrough Foundation LONDON TEN is more than a race; it’s a movement to make running accessible for everyone. Partnering with ASICS allows us to amplify this mission, breaking down financial and social barriers that have traditionally excluded people from organised events. This celebration of diversity in running highlights the transformative power of movement for both the body and mind.”
Lucy Greenhalgh, Marketing Manager at ASICS UK, added: “At ASICS, we’ve always believed in the power of movement to uplift both body and mind. Our name, ‘Anima Sana in Corpore Sano’—a Sound Mind in a Sound Body—encapsulates this belief. Supporting a free-to-enter event like The RunThrough Foundation LONDON TEN aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire movement without boundaries. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned runner, this event is a celebration of inclusivity and the joy of running.”
Event Highlights
- Free Entry: Breaking barriers by offering a professional running experience at no cost.
- Inclusive Ballot System: Prioritising first-time runners and individuals from underserved communities. The ballot saw an impressive level of interest with 60,000 people applying. It has now closed and 5,000 (the event’s capacity) runners will be taking part.
- ASICS Activations: Including free gait analysis, product trials, and expert consultations on race day for participants.
Working with community leaders
The RunThrough Foundation has worked directly with community leaders to reach as many under-represented groups as possible to maximise the inclusivity of this event. We’re proud to be working alongside groups such as SheRUNS, Monday Mood Booster, Black Girls Do Run, Muslim Runners, Mafia Moves and many more.
For more information, visit https://www.londonten.co.uk/
