The Serpentine Handicap is a race of 6,975 metres (4.3 miles). The course twice round the Serpentine and Long Water, starting and finishing near the boathouse, as shown on the map below.

Unlike other running events you may have taken part in, the start of the Handicap is staggered according to individuals’ past performances. Instead of starting at the same time, so that runners are spread out at the finish, the start is spread out and all runners should finish at about the same time. This is the brilliance of the Handicap race – both fast and slow runners have a chance of winning. If all goes well, there is an exciting finish down the final straight. The race rewards not the fastest runner but the runner who performs best relative to their previous performance – that is, the person who has improved the most.

Registration and race timings

The Handicap is normally held on the first Saturday of each month. It is free. It is normally for club members only (but get in touch with us if you are a visitor who would like to take part). Registration is from 8:30am to 8.55am near the boathouse, marked by a green cross on the map above. You may leave a bag in the registration area where it is watched over by a marshal during the race. The nearest tube stations are Knightsbridge and Hyde Park Corner.

Come to breakfast afterwards at the Serpentine Cafe, and remember that your Serpentine membership card gets you a discount at the cafe.

Handicap volunteers

Our volunteers make the Handicap what it is. If you can help, please sign up here. You are invited to join us in the cafe afterwards and your drink is on us – please tell us what you want us to order for you. If there is a particular role you want to play please say so below.

History

The history of the Handicap and explanation of the handicap system make interesting reading. The Tom Hogshead Trophy is awarded at the end of the year (you can see past winners using the links on the right of this page). The Stratford Cup is presented to the handicap runner who achieves the highest average age-grading in the Handicap over six races in each calendar year, beginning in 2015. The results of the Handicap are published on the Serpentine website. You can also see the Handicap course records.