You'll need your best sprint finish to catch one of the last few Early Bird Entry discounts for the 12th GoFundMe Richmond RUN-FEST on Sunday 15 September 2024 – the special offer of £5 off standard entry and up to £10 off late entry fees for the Richmond 10K, Richmond Half Marathon, and Richmond Marathon has been extended until Midnight on Monday 15 January.

Richmond Marathon starts within the world-famous Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and takes runners through Hampton Court Palace. Runners will tour Kew Gardens before passing many historical sights including Syon House, Richmond Bridge, Ham House, Kingston Bridge, Richmond Hill, Teddington Lock, and the meandering River Thames. With three famous bridges, a Royal Palace, and a famous river it's no wonder this race has been described as: "The world's most scenic Marathon!”

Richmond Half Marathon also starts inside Kew Gardens and finishes in Old Deer Park following the same course as Richmond Marathon as far as the turn for home at Teddington Lock and the course is one of the flattest around with just 28m of elevation. Richmond 10K is held wholly within Kew Gardens and boasts a mere 32m elevation throughout.

All three events include free access to Kew Gardens for runners and up to two adult and two children supporters and there are the WWF Family Mile and WWF Kid's Mile and 500m races held in Old Deer Park after the main events to occupy the whole family – these events are now chip timed.

The fun doesn't stop when the racing's done at Richmond RUN-FEST. The FEST is shorthand for the festival and Tom, Jade, Euan, and the whole RUN-FEST team invites everyone to Old Deer Park where they are planning the ultimate after-party for their runners.

This year's headline performers on the live stage are Sharlene & Vula, the lead singers of Basement Jaxx, who will get the party started with their bangers 'Good Luck', 'Do Your Thing', 'Oh My Gosh', 'Red Alert', 'Romeo', and 'Bingo Bango', plus many RnB and Motown classics.

So if you are looking for a discounted entry to a scenic race with add-ons that include free entry to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on-course entertainment, and a music festival finish you know what to do – grab that Early Bird before it flies...

To secure your entry visit Richmond RUN-FEST here.

For previous event reports and results visit the runABC South race listing here.

Photo courtesy Richmond RUN-FEST