Entry Information
This monthly race is open to everyone and is staged on a 2-lap course in beautiful Hyde Park. It is organised by volunteers from Serpentine Running Club.
Please always check our news page for the latest information on availability of places in the races. The Last Friday 5k races usually sell out about one week before race day. We do not want you to turn up and be disappointed.
- The only way to ensure you get a place is to enter online via RunEvents ( www.englandathletics.org/runevents/ ) or by post at least 2 weeks in advance (see the How to Enter section).
- If you simply turn up on the day you will not be able to race – sorry.
- The policy of the Club is not to refund money except in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the club’s Committee.
How to enter
Because of Royal Parks rules we cannot take cash (or cheques) on the day of the race. Therefore, you must enter in advance.
The entry fee is £6.00 for a member of any athletics or running club who is registered with England Athletics or £8.00 if unaffiliated.
Online entries can be made via the races section of RunEvents ( www.englandathletics.org/runevents/ ) This is our preferred entry option.
Alternatively, you can enter by post using a standard entry form.
About the Race
The race starts at 12.30pm, sharp. Meet by the Boat House from 12.00pm, noon.
If you already have your race number, there is no need for you to register separately on the day. Please wear your number clearly on the front of your race clothing. It must be clearly visible to officials at all times but removed once you have crossed the finish line.
The race is held under UK Athletics rules. England Athletics Licence number 27646 applies. Certificate of Course Accuracy number 16/201.
Minimum age for girls and boys is 11 years.
There is a cut off time of 35 minutes. After this, the course will not be marshalled and no results will be recorded.
For safety reasons, please do not run wearing headphones or other impediments to your hearing. You must be able to hear marshals’ instructions. You need to be fully aware of what is always happening around you. This is for your safety, the safety of your fellow competitors and the safety of the general public.
Course Map

Meeting Point
The start and finish are at the Boat House in Hyde Park (on the northern side of the Serpentine lake). The nearest tube station is Hyde Park Corner and many bus routes pass nearby. See the TfL website for journey planning.
Facilities
There are no changing or shower facilities. Participants should arrive in their running kit. There are public toilets (20p – payable only by card: no cash) close to the Bandstand, which is about 500m from the start. There are no toilets at the Boat House.
Personal belongings may be left close to the start. Where this is necessary, please supply your own waterproof bag (e.g. a large plastic bag) suitably labelled. The surrounding area is open and is not secure. Therefore, articles are left at the individual’s own risk. We strongly recommend that you do not bring valuables.
Refreshments can be purchased from the Serpentine Bar and Kitchen, close to the start / finish area and from the many kiosks in Hyde Park. Please note that we do not provide water, etc., at the race.
Location Map
Meet by the Boat House from 12.00pm, noon.
Medical
Please make sure you are fit enough to run 5km (3.1 miles). If in doubt, please consult your doctor or medical practitioner.
Please complete the medical information and emergency contact section on the back of your race number. In the case of an emergency Serpentine Running Club or the emergency services may use the details provided by you to contact your home or emergency point of contact.
Any serious accidents or incidents will be reported using this form.
Race Cancellation
If the race has to be cancelled, we regret that entry fees will not be refunded. The entry fee does little more than cover the costs associated with staging the race. The bulk of the costs will have to be paid whether the race goes ahead or not.
The Results
The results of the Last Friday 5k are published here on the Serpentine website, and are normally available on race-day evening. The easiest way to find out your result is via the results section of the Serpentine website where all you need do is type in your name, or part of it, in the “person search” box.
There is a league championship of the Last Friday of the Month 5km. This is based on age-graded results for all runners, with the best 6 performances throughout the year being eligible to win the trophy.
Please note that when publishing the race results we will include information such as (but not limited to) your name, any club affiliation, race time and age category. This information may be shared with the sport’s governing body and any affiliated organisation for the purpose of insurance, licences and to allow the results to be combined with or compared to other events.
More information
For further information, please contact: lfotm5k@serpentine.org.uk