British Athletics has appointed London Marathon Events to organise the 2018 British Half Marathon Championships. The Big Half, London’s brand-new half marathon, will host the British Half Marathon Championships on Sunday 4 March.

It will also serve as one of the very last opportunities for athletes to achieve qualifying times for the British team for the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships that take place in Valencia (ESP) on Saturday 24 March. The team for Valencia is selected on Monday 5 March and announced on Tuesday 6 March. The selection policy can be viewed here.

Barry Fudge, Head of Endurance for British Athletics, said:

“We’re delighted that The Big Half will incorporate the British Half Marathon Championships next March. London Marathon Events’ support for the endurance programme ensures athletes have the best preparation for success, and hosting our championship race gives athletes a great opportunity to run fast times amongst great spectator support.”

Hugh Brasher, Event Director for The Big Half, said:

“London Marathon Events is proud to host the British Half Marathon Championships at The Big Half on Sunday 4 March. This new event features a fantastic route through our great capital city, starting by Tower Bridge and finishing in front of the Cutty Sark, which is truly fitting for a national championship.”

Sir Mo Farah and Callum Hawkins, Britain’s top two distance runners are already confirmed for the event and further names will be added to the elite field shortly.

Runners must have achieved the following times after 1 January 2016 to enter the British Half Marathon Championships. Apply for a British Championships place here.

Runners who has achieved the times below will qualify for a Good For Age place. These places are limited and will be available on a first come, first served basis. Apply for a Good For Age place here.

Created by London Marathon Events Ltd, in partnership with Sported. The Big Half is a new one day festival centred around the half marathon distance, which aims to be truly global and uniquely local in a celebration of the wonderful cultural diversity of the great city of London.

Up to 20,000 people will participate in events that include:

• The Big Half: a half marathon starting by Tower Bridge and finishing by the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, passing through the boroughs of Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Lewisham and Greenwich
• The Little Half: a 2.4 mile event for participants of all ages and abilities
• The Big Relay is aimed at community groups from the host boroughs of Southwark, Lewisham, Tower Hamlets and Greenwich. Participants will be able to run in teams of four, with each person running one leg over distances ranging from one mile to five miles
• The Big Festival: a celebration of London’s diverse culture, food and music which will take place throughout the day in Greenwich Park