Deer me! They just can't resist a hoofed ruminant-based pun at Richmond RUNFEST. This year's medal is based on 'Flo the Doe' and it doubles as a useful bottle opener. The popular triangular shape is retained so returning runners can continue to build their 'medal pies'.

Old Deer Park and Kew Gardens, where flora meets fauna, are again the venues for the six events that comprise the refreshed programme that saw 5,000 competitors in action last year. This year's RUNFEST takes place on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th September.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has been revealed as the new title partner of Richmond RUNFEST’s Kids’ Mile event on the Saturday. Since the first RUNFEST Kids’ Mile in 2013, the event has grown exponentially. The main aim of the Richmond Kids’ Mile is to create a fun, inclusive event for kids from Reception to Year 11, where you don’t have to win to get a prize. To make the event even more enjoyable WWF has proposed a ‘Wear it Wild’ theme, where the kids will be encouraged to wear an item of animal-inspired clothing on race day.  

Arron Trott, Events Fundraising Manager for WWF-UK said: “WWF is delighted to be the official charity partner of the WWF Kids’ Mile on Saturday 10th September. To celebrate this partnership, WWF is encouraging all runners to ‘Wear it Wild’ on race day. Participants can embrace this theme simply by wearing an item of animal-related clothing or heading to the start line in full fancy dress. All money raised through the WWF Kids’ Mile will be used to fund our conservation projects across the globe. Together we can save our one shared home.” 

This year, Richmond RUNFEST will be celebrating its 10th birthday in style. Saturday will include great local bands along with kids’ entertainment from Brentford FC Community Sports Trust and Lions Sport Academy. There will be a bar for thirsty adults and quality food vendors to sustain the kids and parents. 

Why not make a weekend of it? There are places in the Richmond AIR 10K in Kew Gardens on Saturday morning and the ‘Visit Cayman Islands’ Sundown 5K in Old Deer Park in the evening. The weekend continues with the flagship Richmond Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday morning and the Richmond Family Mile concludes events at 3:00pm on Sunday afternoon.   

Registration for all events is open now at the Richmond RUNFEST website.

Image courtesy Sarah Astin for Richmond RUNFEST