| Whichever season
you choose to visit London you’ll find a range of
sporting events that capture the imagination of the whole
capital.
Cricket lovers will find a programme of excellent cricket
matches between May and August when the season starts.
The world famous Lord’s Cricket Ground [map],
St John’s Wood, NW8, hosts some explosive one-day
cricket matches including the Natwest Series Final and the NPower Test Match Series.
Those keen to get off the sidelines and participate can
choose from several running events. Sports Relief (held every two years) is purely about fun and raising
money for a host of good causes. Run, walk, skip or hop
the mile course that begins at The Victoria Embankment
and join lots of British celebrities and sports stars.
The Flora London Marathon is held every
year and covers 26-miles of the heart of the capital.
The marathon attracts competitors from across the globe
and thousands of fundraisers who run for lots of different
causes. The gruelling course begins at Greenwich Park
and finishes on The Mall, close to the magnificent sight
of Buckingham Palace.
Fans of horse shows will enjoy the Olympia International
Show Jumping Championships, Grand Hall, Olympia,
W14, which is held in December.
This equestrian event features top riders from around
the world who compete to win some of the best prizes in
their field. To add a festive feel there is a visit from
Father Christmas on each day of the championships.
Be a spectator at the Oxford and Cambridge Boat
Race which is held on the River Thames every
March. This world famous race sees two historic universities
battle each other. The race starts from the University
Stone at Putney and heads along the River Thames to Mortlake.
Alternatively, have fun watching people splashing about
on the river at September’s Great River
Race which takes place on the River Thames. More
than 150 water crafts and boats including Viking Longboats
and canoes take part and race to be crowned the Traditional
Boat Champions. The race takes place from Richmond
to Island Gardens in Greenwich.
Tennis in London means one thing: Wimbledon.
The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships are held from
late June to early July at All England Lawn Tennis and
Croquet Club, Church Road, SW19 where the greatest players
in the world compete for the most prestigious title of
champion.
There’s also the Stella Artois Grass Court
Championships which are held in June at The Queen's
Club, Palliser Road, W14. This is an exhilarating competition
pitting the top seeded players against each other to battle
for an impressive title.
For an adrenalin buzz check out The Sprite Urban Games which are held annually at Clapham Common, SW4, during
July. This competition showcases the talents of some of
the world's best BMX riders, inline skaters, skateboarders
and break dancers who compete against each other.
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