The MoonWalk London, returning on Saturday 17 May 2025 at Clapham Common, invites participants to power walk a half or full marathon through the night streets of London wearing decorated bras to raise vital funds for breast and other cancers, with this year's theme celebrating the "Wonderful World of MUSICALS!"
Wonderful World of MUSICALS Theme
The "Wonderful World of MUSICALS" theme for MoonWalk London 2025 offers participants endless creative possibilities for decorating their bras and costumes. Walkers can draw inspiration from iconic musicals ranging from classics like "Gypsy" and "Funny Girl" to modern hits like "The Prom" and "Tootsie". Whether you're channeling the glitz of "Cabaret," the fantasy of "Into the Woods," or the rock vibes of "Rocky Horror," this theme encourages vibrant colors, fringing, feathers, and theatrical flair.
For those seeking theme ideas, consider organizing your costume around specific musical categories such as shows about showbiz, magical productions, or school-themed musicals. You might incorporate musical notes, treble clefs, or miniature props representing your favorite musical moments. The theme not only makes the walk more festive but creates a sense of unity among participants while drawing attention to the important cause of fighting breast cancer through this uniquely theatrical fundraising event.
Clapham Common Starting Point
The MoonWalk London 2025 will take place at Clapham Common, specifically at Windmill Drive, London SW4 9AS. This iconic location serves as both the starting and finishing point for the charity walk, transforming into the vibrant "MoonWalk Arena" for the event.
The arena becomes a hub of activity where participants gather before setting off on their nighttime challenge through London's streets. For the main event on Saturday, May 17th, walkers will begin arriving around 8:00 PM with start times between 8:30-9:00 PM.
Additionally, Clapham Common hosts the smaller 5K Zoom event in the morning of the same day, offering a shorter route entirely within the grounds of the common for those seeking a less intensive challenge. The location provides excellent facilities for the thousands of walkers and volunteers who make this fundraising event possible, with the gravel football pitches behind Mount Pond serving as a key area for event operations.
Half Marathon vs Full Marathon
The MoonWalk London 2025 offers two main distance options for participants to choose from:
- Half Marathon (Half Moon Plus): A 15.1-mile route
that typically takes walkers between 3-4 hours to complete, though some participants may take up to 6 hours and 24 minutes as reported from previous events. This option is perfect for those seeking a challenging but more manageable distance. - Full Marathon: The complete 26.2-mile course
that generally takes walkers 5-6 hours to complete, depending on pace. For comparison, if you were to walk a full marathon at a steady pace, it could take anywhere from 8-9 hours, and for some, up to 12 hours.
Both routes take participants through London's illuminated landmarks at night, with walkers starting together but potentially splitting into different paths depending on their chosen distance. Teams can mix and match distances, with some members walking the half and others the full marathon, as long as they enter equivalent finishing times to stay together at the start. All participants, regardless of distance chosen, are encouraged to raise a minimum of £200 for breast cancer causes.
Mercure London Hyde Park Hotel – Guest Information
For MoonWalk participants and supporters staying at the Mercure London Hyde Park Hotel, here are a few helpful details:
Address:
8-14 Talbot Square, Paddington, London W2 1TS
Travel to Clapham Common:
- By Tube:
- Walk 5 minutes to Paddington Station, take the Bakerloo Line to Charing Cross, then switch to the Northern Line (Southbound) to Clapham Common.
- Approximate journey time: 30–35 minutes
- Hotel Features:
- Stylish, boutique-style rooms in a peaceful garden square
- 24-hour reception for early/late arrivals from the walk
- Fitness centre and on-site restaurant
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Excellent connections to Heathrow via Paddington’s Heathrow Express
Whether you're preparing for your big walk or returning to rest your feet, the Mercure London Hyde Park offers a calm and comfortable stay close to central London transport links.
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