RICHMOND RUNFEST
SHADY TOWPATHS, A WINDING ROUTE ALONG THE RIVER THAMES, AND FANTASTIC SUPPORT FROM A HEARTY CREW OF PIRATES. WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE ABOUT THE RICHMOND RUNFEST MARATHON?
WORDS: TINA CHANTREY
Runners fly along the Thames towpath during RUNFEST
We’re demanding, us runners. We don’t want to just run. We get really excited when races provide all the ‘executive’ extras; a great atmosphere, a party at the end with live music, a top-notch goodie bag, t-shirt and medal. And alcohol! Then we’re like children at a birthday party.
Richmond RUNFEST is one of these types of races. It offers us a weekend of pure running indulgence. On the Saturday you get the Kids Mile, the 5K Pirate Run and the Kew Gardens 10K. This year there were 3,000 runners in the most popular distance of the weekend. The half marathon and marathon runners set off on the Sunday morning, with the Family Mile kicking off later that day at 3pm. It’s a busy schedule.