Albert Hill, co-founder of The Modern House and former Wallpaper* editor, may have come to running later in life, but it's now a central part of his routine. A lifelong admirer of architecture and design, he sees the city’s streets, parks, and canal paths as more than just routes; they’re a constantly evolving landscape of history, beauty, and inspiration. Whether he's pacing along the Regent’s Canal, looping Victoria Park, or training at the Duke of York Square track run club with OneTrack, Albert has found his own rhythm in a city that rarely slows down. Here, he shares his guide to running in London, including favourite running routes, hidden gems for reflection, and why he thinks every neighbourhood should have an annual half marathon.
How long have you been running?
I have been running since my early 30s. I am a relative latecomer to running. I took it up when I moved out of London and couldn't play 5-a-side football anymore. I remember hating running at school and doing anything to get out of it!
What have been highlights for you as a founder?
I guess the highlight would be just the thrill of seeing the seed of an idea that you had on your own actually bloom into something that has outgrown anything you could imagine back when you first dreamt it up! And, of course, working with so many amazing people along the way.
What do you wish you'd figured out sooner?
That you have to ignore a lot of distracting opportunities and focus on the really big ones. If you are a good brand / company a lot of opportunities will present themselves and it's tempting to seek the dopamine hit and short-term reward of pursuing all of them. But you need to focus on long-term goals.
We know you like running the trails but do you enjoy running in London or is it a means to an end?
I hate anything that involves roads or traffic or cars or noise. I love running along the canal towpaths in London. We used to have an office in De Beauvoir Town in North London and I loved running along the canal with other members of the team (I think it's called the Regent's Canal). Other than that I try to avoid running in London other than if it's an organised run where they've closed the roads.
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Favourite routes to run in London and why? What types of sessions are these?
The Regent's Canal. Usually starting at the Rosemary Branch (N1 3DT) and running along the canal to Victoria Park, around Victoria Park and back again. As someone who is obsessed with architecture, I love looking at all the different buildings from the grand to the scruffy. I also love the Duke of York square track with OneTrack of course. Arlo (my son) and I try to get there whenever we can, although we don't live in London. I love it's history and the fact that it's such a pure, unpretetious space dedicated to running amidst all the gloss and consumerism of the King's Road. Beautiful trees shading the track too (although the branches do sometimes cause a bit of a running hazard!)
Do you use any studios in London for strength work or cross training?
No.
What clothing do you run in?
I try not to buy too many new clothes so most of my running clothes are pieces picked up in charity shops. I'm a bit obsessive about running tops (the neck can't be too high, the length can't be too short and the fit can't be too loose!) so I tend to stick to the one or two that I like (there happens to be one from Craft that I like). OneTrack of course do a great thing of having one of their logos that you can add to a bit of kit, so I've done that with few charity shop finds! My wife also bought me an adidas x Marimekko running jacket that I wear a lot. I think the range was aimed at women but I really like it... It served me well during the very rainy Yorkshire marathon that I ran recently. Running shoes aren't something you can buy second hand. I really like running in Altra shoes as I find the wide toe box such an obvious improvement in comfort. I used to not like the way they look - function over fashion - but that slightly awkward look is kind of coming in now!
Favourite places in London to find:
Rest
I'm not great at fully switching off. But I did stay at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel the other day and really enjoyed some time in the spa there.
Reflection
I really like walking around the back streets of London. I often just pick something I'd like to see - a building usually - and walk there avoiding main roads and usually you see some great stuff along the way. There are a load of apps that highlight interesing stuff in London - buildings, blue plaques, historic sites. Just pick something and walk there!
Nourishment
I often end up in a Caravan restaurant. Reliably good, healthy food. The staff are usually grumpy (that's London) and the acoustics are terrible and the decor is a bit dated now but the food is reliably fantastic. I'm a bit of a jazz music fan too so often go to the iconic Ronnie Scott's in Soho or other jazz bars (Cafe Oto, Jazz Cafe, Vortex)
Momentum
We have a great HQ on a tucked away street in SE1 - a converted early 20th century church that's still next to a convent. So that's where the work happens.
How could your city be improved for runners?
I am a regular parkrun attendee and think that they have done a great job of making great regular running spaces for such a broad spectrum of people. And then things like the Hackney Half being so popular, it's clear that London would benefit from far more, regular running events. I think every neighbourhood should have an annual half marathon.
One final tip for anyone running in London?
Running in central London, other than in the parks, will be busy! If you can get out into the less central neighbourhoods, you'll be rewarded. There are lots of routes to follow like the Capital Ring, Jubilee Greenway, Lea Valley walk etc.
Follow Albert @conducthill and learn more about The Modern House: themodernhouse.com
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