Race Director Tom Bedford informs runABC South that over 1,000 runners have registered for the River Thames Half Marathon on Sunday (27 October 2024) – more than double the finishers last year when 476 completed the course in 3:22:33. The speedy credentials of the super-scenic course were displayed by race winners Paul Piper (West 4 Harriers, 1:12:14) and Molly Smith (unattached, 1:17:56) who was competing in her first half marathon.

This was a remarkable renaissance for the event after a three-year hiatus between 2020 and 2022. The revival in 2023 followed the acquisition of former organisers Quicksilver Events by RUN-FEST, the company behind the Richmond RUN-FEST, Worthing RUN-FEST, and Kew The Run events.

RD Tom has called upon his famous father David Bedford OBE – the former world 10,000m record holder (27:30.8 in 1973) – as the official race starter. David Colin Bedford is better known as 'Dave' Bedford. He was renowned for his uncompromising high mileage training, flamboyant red racing socks, long curly hair, and an impressive moustache that would pass muster at any Movember event today!

River Thames Half Marathon will start from the iconic Millennium Bridge in Walton-On-Thames, following the River Thames towpath and roads to Hampton Court Bridge and back. Parking is available a short jog from the start for £1 all day. RUN-FEST describes the course as "flat as a pancake".

Pacers are provided for 10 groups from 1:30:00 to 2:20:00 target times. The feedback from runners is that they enjoy the enthusiastic and friendly marshals, the efficient organisation and the bespoke finisher's mug and well-stocked goody bag.

River Thames Half Marathon is part of the 'Uber Boat by Thames Clippers' River Thames Running event series that includes the Hampton Court Half Marathon (16 February 2025); the Kingston Breakfast 20, 16, and 8 Mile Runs (9 March 2025) and the Kingston Half Marathon and 10K (usually held in October). Here is a brief video that captures the essence of these Thameside events......

So, if you'd like to meet a running legend – and his still hirsute father – get along to the beautiful Surrey town of Walton-on-Thames on Sunday morning where the race starts at 8:30am from the Wilde Brunch Cafe, Cowey Sale, Shepperton, KT12 1QP (spectators welcome).

Full race details are at the River Thames Half Marathon website here.

Previous results and race reports are at the runABC South race listing here.

Photo courtesy Tom Bedford of RUN-FEST/River Thames Running