London Landmarks Half 2024: HOKA Cielo X, Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 race tested

The London Landmarks Half Marathon is a hugely popular half marathon around some of the best sights in London. The twisty turny course takes you past St Pauls, along the Embankment with a nod to the London Marathon and past the Houses of Parliament over Westminster Bridge. The support is great. This year, Run Testers Nick and Kieran tackled the London Landmarks Half - on a very windy day - to give the HOKA Cielo X, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 and a host of other tech, the race test treatment. Hit play to see how they got on.
JUMP STRAIGHT IN:
0:00 - Intro
3:29 - The race
4:23 - Post-race reaction
8:10 - Kieran’s test verdict
11:01 - Nick’s test verdict
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[@jamiexavier6654]

Great video chaps! The wind on that course was a beast! I am in the background finishing as Kieran is filming post finish :)

[@nikargiropoulos9433]

Great videos guys. I ran the Brighton Marathon in the Saucony Pro 4s yesterday - they're the perfect carbon shoes for me & my running style (I'm not quick, & need a bit of stability) ... it was my 10th marathon and I ran a 9 minute PB - 3 hours 41 mins. They were so comfortable, especially in the last 10k when the wheels were close to coming off in warm and very windy conditions. They're not aggressive at all, but definitely give you something extra. I think for 3:30 to 4 hour pace they are going to serve a lot of people extremely well.

[@marklanghorn9220]

I have pulled he trigger and purchased some for the London Marathon. Fingers crossed they work well.

[@nikargiropoulos9433]

@@marklanghorn9220 good luck Mark, I think you'll enjoy them, I'm also running London ... although standing up/walking is currently an issue, so hopefully I can recover in time!

[@pseudoty]

I am the same as you but waiting on my Saucony Pro 4s to arrive. I tried the Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris in my last 1/2 M and I was just not fast enough to benefit from them at 8 min/mile pace and very little stability.

[@nikargiropoulos9433]

@@pseudotySame, I bought the Sky Paris and couldn't get on with them

[@nikargiropoulos9433]

@@justoutlaw6423 the Pro 4s? no they fit true to size, I have plenty of room - they are roomier than the Pro 3s for me

[@kaprikornian1]

Kieran description of the EP4 is exactly what I'm looking for in a HM to FM shoe, especially as someone that did my first HM this years and is looking to be more confortable with these distances.

[@davidrogers5443]

Did the race myself yesterday!! Blew me away how good it was.. not as quick as you mind 😅.. beat half I’ve ever done.. great vid and would of been amazing to see you guys there

[@TheRunTesters]

Congrats on the run David. And glad you enjoyed the Landmarks. It's become one of my favourite events of the year. Maybe catch you at the next one - Kieran

[@davidrogers5443]

@@TheRunTesters that would be awesome!! 😊 100% gonna do it next year

[@i.p2088]

I must be the only one that loves the Cielo X1 laces.. They are flat so even tight don't hurt the foot. They don't stretch at all so lock down is firm and consistent.. They never got loose when I do a double lock and pull the lock hard ❤

[@RobynAlexander]

I like them too!! Cinch them nice and snug and they hold! And lay completely flat!!

[@i.p2088]

@@RobynAlexander Exactly.

[@deansnoyman9217]

Would be interested in getting your review on the Tracksmith Olmsted pack I see you had at the race!

[@dmleibo]

I had zero issues with the Cielo X1 laces. Actually found them to be pretty good. But I totally agree about them feeling a bit too much for running into the wind and, for me, up hills.

[@danscape]

Tracksmith turnover tights I did find comfortable but I also found some of the fabric bobbled after only 1 run (not washed)

[@adamrochester896]

Couldn’t help spot the Tracksmith bag Nick had. Any good? Pricey gear but never had a duff item yet from them, the Brighton base layer possibly my best ever piece of running clothing ever purchased!

[@TheHutchRuns]

Great running guys and awesome 3rd place Nick, do you think you'd have run it faster (both Kieran and Nick) in AF3 of Metaspeed Sky Paris? Saysky have just released the Flow+ Race Half Tights and I've got some on the way, would be interested to see what you think about them Nick?

[@TheRunTesters]

Thanks. Can't speak for Nick but I was deliberately keeping a lid on it yesterday with Manchester Marathon coming up next week. I'll be in the Metaspeed Sky Paris for that one.

[@emmag00]

Ran this race last year and was gutted not to get into the ballot this year. Still on the fence about buying the Cielo X, or whether to wait for the Rocket x3s.

[@TheRunTesters]

Ah, sorry you missed it this year. It's a great race that's become a favourite of the year for me - Kieran

[@themechanic4409]

Most people when they tie their shoes go counter clockwise around loop. Going clockwise seems to stayed tied for me.

[@FatUglySadMan]

Just managed to buy a new pair of speed 2 today after searching so long. Best speed ever !