West London's largest festival of running was back in rude health at the weekend (11-12 September). Richmond RUNFEST's full two-day format was restored after the many changes necessary last year and Richmond Marathon winners Dan Nash (2:23:29) and Jemima Farley (2:46:35) celebrated with new course records and luxury holidays to the Cayman Islands!

Other highlights on a weekend that delivered so many positives included the joyous return of the Richmond Music Festival and Fitness Expo; Tokyo Olympic Marathon representative Steph Davis starting the Kew Gardens 10K; England Masters seeking international selections at 10K and Half Marathon and the wonderful sight of packed fields in the Kids and Family Mile races.

Race Director, Tom Bedford said: “Many runners will not know what we went through to get this event over the line. It was a proud moment for myself and the team to welcome runners, spectators, partners, and volunteers to this event after all the many challenges we have faced to get this far. A personal highlight was seeing the return of the Kids’ races and all the fun at the Cayman Islands Sundown 5K.”

In addition to the marathon winners' star prizes, one lucky finisher in the Visit Cayman Islands Sundown 5K was selected at random to enjoy a fabulous holiday in the British Overseas Territory in the western Caribbean Sea. The top times in Sundown 5K were recorded by Daniel Cliffe (15:28) and Tracy Barlow (18:12) - who was fourth overall. 

Richmond Half Marathon winners were Craig Ruddy (1:08:54) and Rebecca Winter (1:20:37) and the Kew Gardens 10K was headed by James Bellward (32:30) - #39 far right above - and Tracy Barlow (35:52) - #765 far left above. Kew Gardens 10K welcomed the Thai Ambassador and Royal Thai Embassy staff who were fundraising for Safe Child Thailand.

Caymanian DJ and singer King Navassa brought the Caribbean to Richmond and the audience to their feet at the Music Festival and event partners included Visit Cayman Islands; Children with Cancer UK; Move Physio; Fullers London Pride and Big Yellow Storage.

Tom Bedford is now looking forward to hosting a brand new event, Kew the Run, on 9-10 April 2022, and Richmond RUNFEST is expected to return next year on 10-11 September.

You can register your interest for Richmond RUNFEST 2022 here

Results are available via runABC South race listing here

Image courtesy Richmond RUNFEST