01 | Race Night
Welcome to the Wharf.
From Friday Night Lights
“Well hi there, welcome to Run The Wharf, our 5K closed-road night race and festival; the first of its kind and the showpiece headline event of our year.
Over the last 3 years Friday Night Lights has gone from me and 6 mates stood on London Bridge, my first ever run club, to a fully-fledged, award winning, globally recognised mass participation event organiser. It’s been one heck of a journey.
From day 1 we’ve lived on these fundamentals from the very first run with 7 of us all the way until now, so please try your best to stick with them:
- Run your socks off, any way you see fit. Run fast, run slow, run and sing, run and dance? Whatever you do, fully commit to it and enjoy yourself.
- Talk to people. Say hello to strangers, engage in conversations, make new friends. See someone alone? Say hi, we all could do with more connection.
- Spread the word the old skool way. If you enjoy it, go and tell people about our event. There’s no need to post on social media, in fact I encourage you not to. Run, sing, dance, party and have fun for yourself, you deserve it.
- Keep your phone in your pocket. No videos or photos on course please, take this time for you and you only. That ever buzzing, time-thieving, happiness-stealing device can wait; stick it on silent or airplane mode and just enjoy being in the space we’ve put our heart and soul into creating. You won’t regret a few hours away from it.
There is a big party afterwards, stay for drinks on Canada Square Park where we turn the place into a festival for the night working with Oasis bar, and Montgomery Square where we work with 640 East to host socials after the run.
I push hard on lots of people who move mountains to help make this experience the best that it can be, so please stay and enjoy yourselves after the run. Sing, dance, party, chat, meet new friends.
You’ll have a whirlwind time.
Thanks once more for getting involved and stuck into our event, and for becoming part of our story.”
Founder of Friday Night Lights
From Canary Wharf Group
“A big welcome to Canary Wharf from everyone at CWG. This year’s route is our most ambitious so far, taking you through Wood Wharf, past Eden Dock, along the waterside and right down to the Thames. You’ll get to experience the parks, some of our 100+ artworks and the community that make Canary Wharf such a special place.
This race is now one of London’s most exciting sporting nights and we hope you have a fantastic time. So good luck, enjoy the run and take in the atmosphere along the way.”
Shobi Khan, CEO at CWG
📬 Before you email us. As race night gets closer our inbox
gets extremely busy. Please check this guide and the FAQ bot first. Most
questions are answered here.
02 | Race Night
The checklist.
Everything you need before you leave the house. Ticks save on this device.
0 of 9 done
03 | Race Night
The timetable.
| Time | What's happening |
|---|---|
| 18:00 | Festival Village opens, Canada Square Park |
| 18:00 | Bag drop opens, Montgomery Square |
| 18:00 | On shoe try-on opens |
| 18:00 | Reign Storm energy drink pick-up opens |
| 18:30 | Third Space warm-up, Canada Square Park |
| 18:30 | Waves 1–6 open |
| 19:10 | Waves 1–3 close |
| 19:15 | Waves 4–6 close |
| 19:30 | Elite women start the race |
| 19:35 | Elite men and Waves 1–6 start |
| 21:00 | Bag collection closes, Montgomery Square |
| 23:00 | Festival Village closes |
04 | Race Night
What wave am I in?
The elite women lead the race off at 19:30, the elite men and Wave 1 go together at 19:35, and Waves 2 to 6 follow roughly every four minutes. Your bib number tells you exactly which wave you are in.
Type your bib number or your name into the Wave Finder below, or pick your bib colour and look up your number in the table.
Wave--
In wave by--
Starts--
Start times are not exact and may shift slightly on the night
That bib's wave is still being confirmed. Check back soon.
| Bib numbers | Wave | In wave by | Starts |
|---|
- Your wave is seeded from the projected finish time you gave when you entered.
- Elite wave info: click here for the Podium race day logistics.
- Wave 1: follow the green walking highway to your wave.
- Waves 2 and 3: follow the pink walking highway to your wave.
- Waves 4 to 6: follow the blue walking highway to your wave.
- Waves close at 19:10 for Waves 1 to 3 and 19:15 for Waves 4 to 6, so the times above are the latest you should be in.
- Start times are not exact: there may be slight changes on the night.
- The walking highways are marked on the event site map further down this guide. The button below takes you straight to it.
05 | Race Night
Pace calculator.
Dial in your target finish time for your pace and kilometre splits. Pick the wave your bib puts you in and you'll also get real clock times: when you start, when you pass the zones on course, and when you'll cross the line.
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Your wave comes from your bib number. Look it up in the Wave Finder above.
5:00 /km
Your pace over 5K
You start around--
Finish around--
Start times are not exact and may shift slightly on the night
| Km | Split | You pass at |
|---|---|---|
| 1K | -- | -- |
| 2K | -- | -- |
| 3K | -- | -- |
| 4K | -- | -- |
| 5K | -- | -- |
| At | Zone | You pass at |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5K | On Speed Zone | -- |
06 | Title Partner
On.
Try on the Cloudmonster 3.
Try the Cloudmonster 3 for free, race the On Speed Zone, and get loud at the On Cheer Zone.
Shop the Cloudmonster 3 at on.com
Find the On van in the Festival Area on Canada Square Park (///clear.sings.inspector) and check in to try on the Cloudmonster 3, On’s max-cushion everyday cruiser, made for enjoying your Thursday evening run. Leave your own shoes with the van crew, they stay safe until you’re back. Sizes available while stocks last.
Style Responsive
Lacing Standard
Drop 6 mm
Weight 295 g
Cushioning low | max
Responsiveness gentle | max
Stability neutral | stable
Key features. CloudTec cushioning engineered for responsive runs, Helion foam for comfort and energy return, a Speedboard for propulsion, breathable knit upper, an enhanced rocker shape for energetic push-offs, and a compressed rubber outsole for traction. Neutral support.
Chasing your fastest 5K? The Cloudmonster is a cruiser, not a racer. If Thursday night is a PB attempt, look at On’s Cloudboom range, the carbon race-day line.
Race in them, get a gift. Cross the finish line in the
Cloudmonster 3 and On will give you a free gift worth between £15 and £45
when you return the shoes.
07 | Title Partner
On Speed Zone.
A race within the race. Partway round the course you’ll hit the On Speed Zone, a separately timed stretch with its own start and finish line, so you’ll know exactly when you’re in it.
Tap the map to open it full-size.
- Where: 1.5km in, the out-and-back on Upper Bank Street, right past the On Cheer Zone.
- How it works: cross its start line, give it everything (or don't), cross its finish line. Every runner is timed through the section, nothing to sign up for.
- Results: the Speed Zone has its own live leaderboard, updating as you cross its finish line.
- Prizes: 18 winners take home a £300 On voucher each, with divisions for fastest and speediest across a variety of categories!
See the Speed Zone leaderboard
Eighteen chances to win. Empty the tank through the zone,
the leaderboard does the rest.
08 | Title Partner
On Cheer Zone.
Find it on Upper Bank Street (///river.learns.less). On’s Cheer Zone is stocked and ready: complimentary Reign Storm and Cano Water, plus hundreds of cheer zone goods free to use. Flags, bang sticks, chalk graffiti, confetti cannons, cowbells and whistles, CO2 cannons, lights, lasers, and speakers. You name it, it’s there.
Bring your supporters, go make some noise.
09 | Official Partner
Reign Storm.
Reign Storm is a great-tasting energy drink to fuel active and adventurous lifestyles. Powered by plant-based caffeine and blending nine vitamins and minerals, it is a better-for-you energy drink alternative for those seeking a clean boost.
Activation
Find them on Upper Bank Street.
Reign Storm have their own space on race night. Collect a cold can, then stick around for the rest of it. There are free cans at the On Cheer Zone as well, a little further along the same street.
- Activation space ///output.pies.civic
- On Cheer Zone ///river.learns.less
- Free can
- Photo opportunities
Three flavours.
- Plant-based caffeine
- 9 vitamins and minerals
- Hair & skin health
- No artificial flavours, colours or preservatives
- Increased concentration
- Zero sugar
Find Reign Storm on race night:
- On Cheer Zone: free cans for supporters on Upper Bank Street.
- The finish line: a cold can with your finisher goodies to take you into the after-party.
10 | Before
Your race pack.
Your race pack is your bib with the timing chip attached. How you get it depends on when you entered.
📦 Collection: if you entered from 13 August
Collect your bib from Race HQ, Montgomery Square (///tricks.prefer.stocks), marked on the Race HQ map below.
| Date | Hours |
|---|---|
| Tuesday 1 September | 11:00–14:00, 16:00–20:00 |
| Wednesday 2 September | 11:00–14:00, 16:00–20:00 |
| Thursday 3 (race day) | Not available |
- Bring photo ID and proof of purchase. Bibs are only issued when details match the registration.
- Tuesday daytime (11:00–14:00) will be quietest.
- A friend or family member may collect on your behalf with your photo ID and proof of purchase.
📮 Postage: if you entered before 23:59:59 on 12 August
Your bib is posted to the address you gave at sign-up, arriving the week before the race. There is nothing to collect. Please don’t email to ask where it is: we can’t track individual packages.
- Not arrived by 31 August? Collect a replacement from Race HQ on Tuesday 1 or Wednesday 2 September. This cancels your original bib.
- Moved house since you entered? Try to retrieve your original pack first, then collect a replacement if needed.
There is no pick-up on race day. All bibs must be collected on Tuesday 1 or Wednesday 2 September from Race HQ.
Got your race number? Use the Wave Finder for your wave and start details
11 | Before
Getting there.
Canada Square Park sits on top of one of the best-connected stations in London. Do not drive to Canary Wharf, the car parks will not be accessible and the roads will be closed.
| Station | Line | Walk |
|---|---|---|
| Canary Wharf | Jubilee | 4 min |
| Canary Wharf | Elizabeth line | 6 min |
| Canary Wharf DLR | DLR | 3 min |
| Heron Quays | DLR | 5 min |
- Cycling? Public cycle parking sits around Montgomery Square.
- Check last trains before you head out. The after-party runs to 23:00.
- First time at the Wharf? The maps below show where everything sits once you arrive.
12 | Before
Maps.
Three maps to get you around on the night: the full event site, the Event Village, and Race HQ.
The event site
Tap a map to open it full-size.
The whole estate at a glance: where the Event Village sits, all six start waves with their colour-coded walking routes, the On cheer zone, and the start and finish lines.
Event Village: Canada Square Park
Everything inside the village: the main bar, food court, screens, seating, toilets and the entrances on North and South Colonnade. The walking routes to every start wave leave from the south-east corner, right by the start line.
Race HQ: Montgomery Square
Head here for bib collection, info and timing queries, and bag drop. Waves 2 and 3 line up alongside, Bar 640East and the Thursday meeting point sit by the finish line on Upper Bank Street.
13 | Before
Getting to my wave.
Colour-coded walking highways lead from the start area, right by the south-east corner of the Event Village, to every wave. Find your wave on the map, then follow your colour on the night.
Tap the map to open it full-size.
- Wave 1: follow the green walking highway.
- Waves 2 and 3: follow the pink walking highway.
- Waves 4, 5 and 6: follow the blue walking highway.
- Racing the Podium 5K? Skip the highways: meet at the Podium event village on Montgomery Square by 19:00 and you'll be walked into the elite pen at the front of Wave 1. Details in Podium race day logistics.
- Be in your wave by 19:10 for Waves 1 to 3, and 19:15 for Waves 4 to 6.
14 | Before
Bag drop.
Bag drop is on Montgomery Square, open 18:00–19:00 before the race and until 21:00 for collection. It’s marked on the Race HQ map above. Arrive with the tear-off tag from your bib already attached to your bag, and head to the bag-drop tent whose number matches your tag. If you’re not ready to drop your bag off, you’ll be sent to the back of the queue.
- One bag per person.
- No oversized bags: rucksack size at the largest.
- No loose coats and nothing hanging off the side. Everything goes inside the bag.
Drop your bag with time to spare. It's your responsibility to get your bag dropped with ample time to make it to your start wave. Remember: there's no moving forwards in waves. Miss your wave and you can only drop back to a later one.
Honestly? Come ready to run. If you can leave your bag at the office or pick it up another day, skip bag drop entirely. Less to carry, no queue at the end, and more time enjoying the party. It will simply make your night better.
15 | Play To Win
Play to win.
Jump to Survive, the FNL runner game, is live right here for race week with real prizes on the line. Play as many times as you like: every run counts on the leaderboard, and the highest scores across the event week take the goodies.
Race week prizes
A pair of running shoes, 2x tickets to Run The Wharf 2027, FNL socks and other goodies. This week only.
Three ways to win, highest score in each category across event week:
- Most cumulative distance: your total across every run you play
- Furthest single distance: your longest single run
- Race winner distances: fastest to hit the 5K, 10K, half and full marathon marks
The official FNL game
Win prizes, challenge your friends, and climb the leaderboard. The game opens full screen in its own tab, built for your phone.
Free to play. Works on any phone.
16 | Course
The route.
5K on closed roads through the heart of the estate: glass towers, water on both sides, the whole thing lit.
Tap the map to open it full-size.
43m of elevation across the 5K and 100% paved road. Flat and fast, but respect the corners: polished surfaces and a few tight turns between buildings. The course is fully lit and marshalled end to end.
The route has been officially measured and is UK Athletics affiliated and certified as a 5K race route. We had to do this to host the elite SportsShoes.com Podium race, and it means the distance is exact: run a personal best here and it counts.
The route, turn by turn
The start line is in the iconic heart of Canary Wharf, lining up on South Colonnade in our start chute. The route works its way out and around Westferry Circus before shooting easterly down the long straights of North Colonnade.
At 1.5km you’ll hit the On Speed Zone, a timed race within the race (full details in the On Speed Zone section).
From the On Speed Zone we head toward Billingsgate Market to make a U-turn at the Traffic Light Roundabout. Legging it back through Canary Wharf (and up the biggest gradient of the route), you’ll then work your way around the eastern section of the route through Wood Wharf and around Harbord Square Park at around 3km.
Next you’ll undertake a full east–west traverse of the estate, running the full length of Bank Street to 4.5km, before turning back along Eden Dock and rolling toward the finish line on Upper Bank Street.
17 | Course
On-course support.
- Water: at the finish. It’s a 5K, so no on-course station is planned.
- Medics: first-aid teams at the start, finish, and roaming the course. Flag any marshal if you or another runner needs help.
- Toilets: dotted around the course at roughly 2.1K, and again at around 3.7K as you’re coming back in.
Sound and entertainment.
The start and finish line, along with South and North Colonnade and Montgomery Square, are covered by our sound system. Enjoy without headphones! And a cheer zone on the course brings the noise:
On Speed Zone cheer zone: 1.6K to 2K. A 400m cheer zone running through the On Speed Zone, so you’ll have a wall of sound behind you while you’re being timed.
It’s marked on the route map above, so supporters can plan where to stand before the first wave goes off.
18 | Elite Race
SportsShoes Podium 5k.
The fastest 5K runners in the country are coming to the Wharf, racing for £2,700 in prize money in Podium's first ever closed road race.
SportsShoes.com Podium is the elite race series built on one simple principle: show up, race hard. And Run The Wharf is hosting its first ever closed road race.
That means an elite field racing the same UKA-certified 5K as you, on closed roads, under the lights, with £2,700 in prize money on the line. Look for the green bibs: when they come through, you’ll know about it. Check the route for the best spots to watch them fly.
The prize money
The same prizes are paid in both the men’s and women’s races:
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| Champion | £750 |
| Second place | £400 |
| Third place | £200 |
That is £1,350 per race and £2,700 across the two.
Think you’re quick enough?
Entry to the Podium race is by qualifying time. You’ll need to be a sub 17:20 (male) or sub 19:30 (female) 5K runner to be in with a shot of being accepted into the 2027 race. If that’s you, throw your hat in the ring below.
You're in the mix. We've got your time and we'll be in touch about the 2027 race. Now go watch the green bibs fly.
19 | Elite Race
SportsShoes gait analysis.
Free gait analysis on race night. Find the SportsShoes stand on Montgomery Square between 18:00 and 22:30.
The team at SportsShoes will be offering runners a free gait analysis service. Head to the SportsShoes stand in Montgomery Square (///ruled.porch.aspect) between 18:00 and 22:30 to speak to the team.
They will be on hand to offer expert advice, analyse your gait and provide shoe recommendations to suit your running goals.
What is gait analysis?
For many years, gait analysis has helped runners identify their next pair of running shoes. Traditionally, the process relied heavily on observation and subjective assessment: running on a treadmill, or running back and forth outside a store while a member of staff watched.
Today, technology is transforming that experience. Guesswork is being replaced by science-driven insights, delivering a richer and more personalised experience for every runner.
SportsShoes’ AI-powered gait analysis gives you lab-level biomechanical insights in as little as 60 seconds, helping you understand how you move and giving you personalised shoe recommendations based on your individual running profile.
How long will it take?
Each appointment is first come, first served and lasts about 20 minutes. In that time the team will introduce you to gait analysis and set up your runner profile, carry out the assessment, then analyse your results and answer any questions.
Do I need any special equipment?
No. Just come in your current running shoes and the team will do the rest.
20 | Elite Race
Podium race day logistics.
Racing the Podium 5K? Meet at the SportsShoes Podium event village by 19:00 and we'll walk you into position.
If you’re racing the SportsShoes Podium 5K, don’t head for the waves with everyone else. Meet at the SportsShoes Podium event village on Montgomery Square (///ruled.porch.aspect) by 19:00.
From there the team will walk you into position in the elite pen at the front of Wave 1. You need to be at the event village by 19:00 to be part of the walk-in, so give yourself time to warm up first.
Start times are in the wave section: elite women lead the race off at 19:30, elite men go with Wave 1 at 19:35.
21 | Afters
The finish.
Cross the line surrounded by lights and music, grab your complimentary drinks and water in the finish zone, then head straight to the after-party: two venues, music until 23:00.
No medals, no finisher T-shirts.
That's not our style. You cross the line, you grab your beer, and you head
straight to the party.
Run The Wharf goodies.
Every finisher gets, on us:
- Swypes: a shower in a wipe, an extra-large, biodegradable body wipe to freshen up for the party.
- Cano Water: a cold can of water.
- Prime Time: a lager, or the alcohol-free Prime Time ZERO.
- Reign Storm: an energy drink to take you into the after-party.
Under 18? No beer or alcohol-free beer, sorry. That goes for both the Prime Time lager and the ZERO. Everything else in the goodies is yours.
Keep your bib. It’s worth money for the week after: recovery, food and drinks across the Wharf. See the offers.
Please move through the finisher chute nice and speedily and head towards the Festival Area, so we can keep the finish line clear for the next finishers coming through.
22 | Afters
The after-party.
The race is only half the night. The after-party runs across Canada Square Park and Montgomery Square until 23:00, and everyone is welcome: it’s not ticketed and no wristband is needed, so bring your supporters along.
Two venues, two speeds. Pick your energy, or do both.
Canada Square Park
Our main Festival Village, laid out on the Event Village map. For one night we’re building Canada Square Park into a full festival, and this is the loud one:
- DJs until 23:00 keeping the party going all night.
- Drinks served from the Oasis Bar: your complimentary finisher beer and everything after it.
- Food from our vendors to refuel properly post-race.
- Partner activations from our partners across the village.
640East
Our finish line bar area, right by the finish on Upper Bank Street at Montgomery Square: you’ll find it on the Race HQ map. A more mellow zone than the festival on Canada Square Park:
- SportsShoes.com Podium elite area: watch the fastest racers of the night up close.
- Food vendors and bars without the festival crowds.
- Space to wind down, catch your breath and find your people.
23 | Afters
Your results.
Chip times go live as you cross the line. Search by name or bib number below, no waiting for an email.
The overall leaderboard.
Every finisher in the 5K, ranked as the race unfolds.
Prefer a bigger screen? Open the 5K leaderboard full screen →
On Speed Zone leaderboard.
The race within the race: every runner timed through the On Speed Zone at 1.5km, with its own leaderboard. Full details in the On section.
Prefer a bigger screen? Open the Speed Zone leaderboard full screen →
Real-time tracking and timing are powered by Laurel, an AI race intelligence platform. With checkpoints every 500m rather than the handful of splits at a typical road race, Laurel delivers 10X the resolution of standard timing, powering the live leaderboard, speed zone segments and races within races that update as the event unfolds.
24 | Afters
Race photos.
Photographers cover the course and the party. All the photos drop into one gallery within 48 hours. There is no bib matching, so you will have to scroll through and find yourself the old-fashioned way.
- One gallery
- Live within 48 hours
- Scroll to find yourself
25 | Partners
Our partners.
The brands making Run The Wharf possible.
Partners.
Title Partner
On
Try the Cloudmonster 3 for free, race the On Speed Zone at 1.5km, then get loud at the On Cheer Zone.
In partnership with
Canary Wharf Group
The estate is theirs. Closed roads, glass towers and Canada Square Park, handed over for one Thursday night.
Official Partner
Reign Storm Clean Energy
Plant-based caffeine, zero sugar. Free cans all evening at their activation zone on Upper Bank Street.
Event partners.
Recovery
Third Space
London's premium health club, hosting the warm-up on race night. They also have a space in the event village on Canada Square Park: head there for a free water bottle and the lowdown on classes.
Elite wave
SportsShoes.com Podium
A SportsShoes-owned race series built on one simple principle: show up, race hard. Hosting the elite race, with gait analysis in Montgomery Square.
Dates for endorphins
Thursday
Because the best relationships don't always start with a swipe… sometimes they start with a run. Singles meet and greet at 640 East in Montgomery Square.
Post-race
Prime Time
A cold one waiting at the finish. You've earned it.
Hydration
Cano Water
Canned spring water, available in Canada Square Park and in the finish chute. Plus a basketball game at their activation in Canada Square Park.
Maple
SAP
Handing out SAP gels and retailing the best product on the market, in Canada Square Park. Everything you need. Nothing you don't.
On the night
Swypes
Freshen up post-race, sorted by Swypes.
Custom bibs
Beat the Boys
Mary McCarthy's new brand Beat The Boys, partner of Friday Night Lights. Running in a custom Beat The Boys bib on the night! For men and women alike, enjoy your night running with Friday Night Lights and Beat The Boys.
Beat The Boys stickers and tattoos are available at the Beat The Boys gazebo in the event site!
Physio
LDN Physio
On site all night. Pre-book a session as an add-on to your entry, or chance a walk-in. They stay open into the after-party.
26 | Supporters
Where to watch.
The whole course is inside the pedestrianised estate, so supporters can see runners more than once with a short walk.
- On Cheer Zone: Upper Bank Street (///river.learns.less), free Reign Storm and Cano Water, plus flags, confetti cannons, cowbells and more to borrow.
- Finish straight: the main show, big screens and sound. Watch from the Montgomery Square side by 640East, the finish-line venue (///cakes.marker.drive).
27 | More
Frequently asked questions.
Every question we get, answered straight. Can't find yours? Hit the "Ask a question" button in the corner, or email the team.
Times & waves
When is Run The Wharf?
Thursday 3 September 2026 at Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf (E14 5AH). The Festival Village opens at 18:00 and the race starts at 19:30.
Full timetable What time does the race start?
The key times:
- 18:00: Festival Village opens
- 18:30: Third Space warm-up, Canada Square Park
- 19:30: the elite women lead the race off
- 19:35: the elite men and Wave 1 go together, then a wave roughly every 4 minutes
Your own start depends on your wave, and start times may shift slightly on the night.
What time does my wave start?
The Podium elites go first, then six waves, roughly 4 minutes apart:
- Elite women: 19:30
- Elite men + Wave 1: 19:35
- Wave 2: 19:39
- Wave 3: 19:43
- Wave 4: 19:47
- Wave 5: 19:51
- Wave 6: 19:55
Be in your wave by 19:10 (Waves 1 to 3) or 19:15 (Waves 4 to 6). Your bib number tells you your wave: type it (or your name) into the Wave Finder in the "What wave am I in?" section. Start times are not exact and may shift slightly on the night.
Can I change my wave?
You can drop back to a later wave on the night, but you can't move forward to a faster one. Your wave is seeded from your projected finish time and set by your bib number, and the race flow is built on it, so stick to it.
Wave finder How do I know which wave I'm in?
Your bib number tells you your wave. Two ways to look it up:
- Type it (or just your name) into the Wave Finder in the "What wave am I in?" section
- Or look your number up in your bib colour's tab
You were seeded from the projected finish time you gave when you entered (bib colour only shows your entry type). Every wave is clearly signed on the ground, and marshals are there if you're unsure.
What time does it all end?
The course closes at 20:45 and the event closes at 23:00. Check your last trains before you head out.
Full timetable What are the key timings on the night?
- 18:00: site opens, with the Festival Village on Canada Square Park
- 18:00–19:00: bag drop open on Montgomery Square
- 19:30: race starts with the elite women
- 21:00: bag collection closes
- 23:00: event finishes
Bibs & race pack
Where do I collect my bib?
From Race HQ, Montgomery Square (///tricks.prefer.stocks):
- Tuesday 1 September, 11:00–14:00 or 16:00–20:00
- Wednesday 2 September, 11:00–14:00 or 16:00–20:00
Bring photo ID and proof of purchase. Entered before 12 August? Your bib is posted to you instead. There is no bib pick-up on race day. No bib, no run.
When will my bib be posted?
If you entered before 23:59:59 on 12 August, your bib is being posted to you.
- It goes to the address you gave at sign-up
- It will arrive by 1 September
- There is nothing to collect
We can't track individual packages, so please don't email to ask where it is. If you entered from 13 August, your bib is for collection instead.
What if I missed the 12 August postage deadline?
You'll need to collect your bib from Race HQ, Montgomery Square (///tricks.prefer.stocks):
- Tuesday 1 September, 11:00–14:00 or 16:00–20:00
- Wednesday 2 September, 11:00–14:00 or 16:00–20:00
- Bring photo ID and proof of purchase
There is no bib pick-up on race day.
My bib hasn't arrived. What do I do?
All bibs were sent through an automated delivery system to the address you provided, so please try to track down your bib first.
Still having problems? Come and see us at Race HQ, Montgomery Square (///tricks.prefer.stocks) and we'll see how we can help:
- Tuesday 1 September, 11:00–14:00 or 16:00–20:00
- Wednesday 2 September, 11:00–14:00 or 16:00–20:00
There is no bib pick-up on race day, and no bib support on the day either.
What do the bib colours mean?
Bib colour shows your entry type:
- White: general entries
- Red: Beat The Boys
- Green: the Podium elite programme
- Pink: Thursday
Your start wave is seeded from your projected finish time and set by your bib number: type it into the Wave Finder in the "What wave am I in?" section.
What is Beat The Boys?
Mary McCarthy's new brand Beat The Boys, partner of Friday Night Lights. Run in a custom red Beat The Boys bib on the night, for men and women alike. Stickers and tattoos are available at the Beat The Boys gazebo in the event site!
Your race pack What do I need at bib collection?
- Photo ID
- Proof of purchase
No exceptions at the desk. The same applies if you're collecting a friend's bib.
Can I collect bibs for my group booking?
Yes. Bring your photo ID and proof of purchase for the booking and you can collect the bibs for your group.
We can only allocate bibs against places that have been signed up for: if somebody has signed up 19 people but the twentieth place is unallocated, we can only give you the 19 bibs.
Where is Race HQ?
Race HQ is on Montgomery Square (///tricks.prefer.stocks), open:
- Tuesday 1 September, 11:00–14:00 or 16:00–20:00
- Wednesday 2 September, 11:00–14:00 or 16:00–20:00
Can I collect my bib on the day?
No. There is no bib collection on race day. All bibs must be collected from Race HQ on Tuesday 1 or Wednesday 2 September.
Your race pack Can I change my bib to Thursday, the Podium 5K elite wave, or Beat The Boys?
No. The cut-off date has passed, so you won't be able to swap your entry to Thursday, the Podium 5K elite wave or Beat The Boys at this point.
Your race pack Getting there & bag drop
How do I get to the start?
Canary Wharf sits on top of one of the best-connected stations in London:
- Canary Wharf (Jubilee): 4 min walk
- Canary Wharf (Elizabeth line): 6 min
- Canary Wharf DLR: 3 min
- Heron Quays DLR: 5 min
Don't drive to Canary Wharf: the car parks will not be accessible and the roads will be closed.
Can I drive or park?
Don't drive to Canary Wharf: the car parks will not be accessible, the roads will be closed and there's no event parking. Cycling? Public cycle parking sits around Montgomery Square. Otherwise the station is right under the park.
Getting there How does bag drop work?
Bag drop is on Montgomery Square:
- Open 18:00–19:00 to drop, and until 21:00 for collection
- Arrive with the tear-off tag from your bib already attached to your bag, and go to the tent whose number matches your tag
- One bag per person, rucksack size at the largest
- No loose coats and nothing hanging off the side
It's your responsibility to drop your bag with ample time to make it to your wave. Even better: come ready to run and skip the queue entirely.
Are there secure lockers?
No, only a bag drop facility. All belongings are left at your own risk.
Bag drop On the course
What's the route like?
5K on closed roads through the heart of the estate: 43m of elevation, 100% paved, fully lit and marshalled end to end. Start on South Colonnade, out around Westferry Circus and down North Colonnade, round Wood Wharf, then the full length of Bank Street to the finish on Upper Bank Street. Flat and fast, but respect the polished corners.
The route Is the course hilly?
Barely: 43m of elevation across the whole 5K, all of it paved. The biggest gradient comes on the return leg back through Canary Wharf after the U-turn at the Traffic Light Roundabout, so save a little for it.
The route Why does my watch say less than 5K?
The course is officially measured and UKA-certified at exactly 5K. GPS struggles between the towers, so watches typically read 10–20 metres short around Canary Wharf. The same happens on the London Marathon through this section. Trust the chip time, not the watch.
The route Is there water on the course?
Water is at the finish. It's a 5K, so no on-course station is planned. Supporters can grab free Reign Storm and Cano Water at the On Cheer Zone on Upper Bank Street.
On-course support What if I need medical help?
First-aid teams are at the start, the finish and roaming the course. Flag any marshal if you or another runner needs help.
On-course support Where are the toilets?
In the Festival Village from 18:00. Go before you head to your wave, the queues are shortest early. On the course itself there are toilets at roughly 2.1K and 3.7K.
On-course support Is there a physio or massage?
Yes. LDN Physio are on site on race night:
- Pre-book a session as an add-on to your entry
- They'll email you to confirm your slot, so keep an eye on your inbox
- Or chance a walk-in on the night, subject to availability
- They stay open into the after-party
The rules
Can I run with headphones?
Leave the headphones out. It's a night race in a city block, and you need to hear marshals and other runners. There are DJ zones on the course to keep you moving.
Stay safe Can I take photos while I run?
House rule: phones stay in pockets on the course: no filming or photos while you run. Photographers cover the whole route so you don't have to. Snap away as much as you like in the village and at the party.
The welcome letter Can I run with a buggy or a dog?
No dogs, buggies, prams or skates on the course: it's a fast, tightly packed night race on closed roads. Both are very welcome with your supporters in the village and at the party.
Stay safe Finish, party & results
What happens at the after-party?
Cross the line, grab your complimentary drinks in the finish zone, then straight into the after-party, running until 23:00 across two venues:
- Canada Square Park: the Festival Village, with DJs, the Oasis Bar and food vendors
- 640East: our finish-line bar on Upper Bank Street at Montgomery Square, a more mellow zone to wind down
Everyone is welcome: it's not ticketed and no wristband is needed.
Is there food at the event?
Yes. Food vendors are at the after-party on Canada Square Park and Montgomery Square until 23:00: casual street food you can eat standing up with a drink in the other hand, alongside your complimentary finisher drinks.
Finish, then party Do I get a medal or T-shirt?
No, there are no medals or finisher T-shirts. Instead, every finisher gets Run The Wharf goodies:
- Swypes body wipes (a shower in a wipe)
- Cano Water
- A Prime Time lager (or the alcohol-free Prime Time ZERO)
- A Reign Storm energy drink
No beer or alcohol-free beer is given to under-18s. Then it's straight to the party.
Can friends and colleagues come to the after-party without a ticket?
Yes, everyone is welcome on Canada Square Park and Montgomery Square: friends, family and colleagues. It's not ticketed and no wristband is needed.
Finish, then party Where do I find my results?
Chip times go live as you finish. Search by name or bib number in the live results right here in the guide, in the Results section, or at results.laurelt.com/rtw/results.
Your results How are winners decided? Are there prizes?
Winners are decided on gun time: first across the line takes the tape. Everyone else is ranked on chip time, so your result runs from the moment you cross the start line.
The Podium elite race (green bibs) carries £2,700 in prize money, paid in both the men's and women's races:
- £750 to each champion
- £400 for second
- £200 for third
Prize money is for the elite podiums only. Beyond that, 18 runners win a £300 On voucher through the Speed Zone divisions: empty the tank through the zone and let the leaderboard do the rest.
Where are my race photos?
Photographers cover the course and the party. All the photos drop into one gallery within 48 hours. There is no bib matching, so scroll through and find yourself the old-fashioned way.
Race photos Wharf offers
What do I get with my bib after the race?
Five Canary Wharf venues are looking after Run The Wharf runners for the week after race night:
- Chalet Clinic (Canada Place): two whole-body cryotherapy sessions for £29
- Arc: 30% off a single contrast therapy class
- Sea Lanes: a free drink behind the bar at Dockside Bar + Kitchen with a £10 food spend
- Brother Marcus: 25% off your total bill
- JENKI: £3 Flat Greens
Show your bib in venue to claim.
When can I use the Wharf offers?
All five offers run from Friday 4 September to Thursday 11 September 2026, the week after race night. Brother Marcus is 14:00 to 19:00 only. Everything else runs to the venue's normal hours.
Wharf offers Can I use the offers on race night itself?
No. The offers start the day after, on Friday 4 September. Race night is on us: your finisher drinks, the food vendors and the bars are all on Canada Square Park and Montgomery Square until 23:00.
The after-party Do I need my actual bib to claim an offer?
Yes, a physical bib, shown in person. Photos, screenshots and digital confirmations aren't accepted. So don't bin it at the finish line, and don't put it in the wash.
Wharf offers Do I need to book the recovery offers in advance?
Chalet Clinic needs advance booking and is subject to availability, so get in early. Arc is booked in person at the venue. Both need your bib.
Wharf offers Can I use an offer more than once, or with another discount?
One claim per runner, and offers can't be stacked with any other discount or promotion. Each venue runs its own offer and can amend or withdraw it at any time.
Wharf offers Supporters & On
Where can supporters watch?
The whole course is inside the pedestrianised estate, so a short walk gets supporters more than one look. Best spots:
- The On Cheer Zone on Upper Bank Street: free Reign Storm and Cano Water, plus flags, confetti cannons and cowbells to borrow
- The finish straight on the Montgomery Square side by 640East, the finish-line venue, with big screens and sound
Can I try On shoes?
Yes. Here's how it works:
- Find the On van in the Festival Area on Canada Square Park
- Check in to try the Cloudmonster 3 for free
- Leave your own shoes with the van crew; they stay safe until you're back
- Race in them and On give you a free gift worth £15–£45 when you drop the pair back after
Sizes while stocks last.
What is the On Speed Zone?
A timed race-within-the-race that you hit at 1.5km, the out-and-back on Upper Bank Street. Leaderboards land after the race, and 18 winners each take home a £300 On voucher, with divisions for the fastest and speediest across a variety of categories.
Full details in the On section of the guide.
Entries & policies
Are tickets still available?
No, RTW 2026 has sold out in record time whilst more than doubling in size. Keep an eye out for 2027!
Is there a minimum age?
The age rules:
- Runners under 16 are welcome, but must run with an adult who stays with them for the whole race
- Younger supporters are welcome in the village with an adult too
- No beer or alcohol-free beer is given to anyone under 18 at the finish, so under-18 finishers get the rest of the Run The Wharf goodies instead
Refunds & transfers
Can I get a refund?
Entries are non-refundable and places can't be carried over. We know plans change though, so if you can't make race night we won't leave you empty-handed: you can claim 33% off Run The Wharf 2027 instead.
- Claim your discounted entry for next year until 31 December 2026
- We'll be processing discounted tickets after Run The Wharf 2026, from 21 September
- To claim, please email us after 21 September and we'll sort your discount then
Can I transfer my place to someone else?
No. Places are non-transferable and bibs are strictly personal. Never run under someone else's number: your bib carries your medical details and your result, and a mismatched runner breaks both.
Corporate bookings
Can I transfer allocated places in my booking?
No. From 23:59:59 on 12 August there are no transfers of allocated places.
When do the places in my booking need to be assigned by?
All places must be assigned by 23:59:59 on 25 August.
- Anyone who signed up before 23:59:59 on 12 August will have their bib posted to them
- Anyone who signed up after that date but before 25 August will have to collect their bib from Race HQ
Where do people who signed up after 12 August collect their bibs?
Anyone who signed up after 23:59:59 on 12 August will have to collect their bib from Race HQ, Montgomery Square (///tricks.prefer.stocks):
- Tuesday 1 September, 11:00–14:00 or 16:00–20:00
- Wednesday 2 September, 11:00–14:00 or 16:00–20:00
- Bring photo ID and proof of purchase
There is no bib pick-up on race day.
Can one person collect all the bibs for our booking?
Yes. One person from your office can pick up all of the signed-up bibs. Bring photo ID and proof of purchase.
We can only allocate bibs against places that have been signed up for: if you've signed up 19 people but the twentieth place is unallocated, we can only give you the 19 bibs.
How do I manage my booking?
You can manage your booking through Let's Do This: letsdothis.com/manage-booking.
The practical bits
Is the event accessible?
Yes:
- Canary Wharf's stations are step-free
- The course is flat throughout
- Day wheelchairs are welcome
- There's an accessible viewing area near the finish
What should I bring on race night?
The big ones:
- Bib pinned by all four corners with the timing chip still attached
- Phone charged but on silent
- Your walking route to your start wave
- Dancing shoes for the after-party
- Supporters briefed on the cheer zones
- A bag within the bag-drop size rules
- Your route home checked
I lost something. Where's lost property?
Anything found on the night, plus any uncollected bag-drop bags, is held by the events team. Speak to a marshal or steward on the night and they'll point you to the right place. After race night, email team@fridaynightlights.run and we'll reunite you.
When does the full event guide get released?
Seven days before the event, on Thursday 27 August.
When will the event information be sent out?
The full event information was sent to all runners 10 days before the event. Can't see it? Check your spam folder, and search for the email address you signed up with.
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Access for everyone.
Canary Wharf’s stations are step-free, and the course is flat throughout. Day wheelchairs are welcome; there’s an accessible viewing area near the finish.
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Stay safe.
Leave the headphones out. It’s a night race in a city block, and you need to hear marshals and other runners. Anything that doesn’t look right, tell the nearest marshal or event staff.
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Wharf offers.
Your bib is good for more than the race. Five Canary Wharf spots are looking after Run The Wharf runners for the week after, from recovery to matcha to a free drink by the water. Show your bib, claim your thing.
- Valid 4 to 11 September 2026
- Canary Wharf venues only
- Physical bib, shown in person
Recovery
Chalet Clinic
Two whole-body cryotherapy sessions for £29
Recover after your 5K with two whole-body cryotherapy sessions at Chalet Clinic in Canada Place for £29.
Book in advance and bring your bib to your appointment.
Terms
- Open to all Run The Wharf 2026 participants on presentation of a valid race bib
- Must be claimed between 4 and 11 September 2026
- Second session must be used within 30 days of the first
- Advance booking required and subject to availability
- One offer per participant
- Non-transferable and cannot be combined with other offers
Recovery
Arc
30% off a single class
Sauna and ice, done together. 30% off a single Arc credit (RRP £29), valid on any class on their timetable.
Book in person and show your bib to claim.
Terms
- Available 4 to 11 September 2026
- Applies to a single Arc credit, RRP £29
- Valid on any class
- Book in person, bib must be shown
Food and drink
Sea Lanes
Free drink at Dockside Bar + Kitchen
A drink on the house at Dockside Bar + Kitchen when you eat there.
Show your bib when you order.
Terms
- Available 4 to 11 September 2026
- Valid with a minimum £10 food spend
- Bib must be shown
Food and drink
Brother Marcus
25% off the total bill
A quarter off the whole bill, food and drink, at their Canary Wharf site.
Show your bib when you order.
Terms
- Available 4 to 11 September 2026, 14:00 to 19:00
- Brother Marcus Canary Wharf only
- Bib must be shown
Food and drink
JENKI
£3 Flat Greens
Their Flat Green, matcha and milk, down to £3 for the week.
Show your bib at the till when you order.
Terms
- Available 4 to 11 September 2026
- JENKI Canary Wharf only
- Physical bib only. Photos and digital confirmations are not accepted
- Cannot be used with any other offer or discount
- JENKI may amend or withdraw the offer at any time
Offers are run by the venues, not by us. Each one is subject to availability and the venue can amend or withdraw at any time. One claim per runner unless the offer says otherwise, and offers can't be combined with other discounts or promotions.