We predicted fast times, a capacity entry and a great atmosphere in the runABC South preview of the River Thames Half Marathon on Sunday (27 October 2024). However, we couldn't predict the beautiful blue skies and perfect racing conditions enjoyed by all 740 finishers in the RUN-FEST revival of this popular event.

Entries almost doubled from last year and all 740 runners finished in 3:26:03. The pace at the front was set by our podium men pictured above: #350 Ben Whyte (1:13:13) – representing Colchester Harriers but wearing his Croydon vest – followed by #560 Owen Graham (Woking AC, 1:13:34) and #735 Toby Rowlands (South London Harriers, 1:13:39). Third-placed Toby had a few anxious moments as Charlie Cook (unattached, 1:13:42) was only three seconds in arrears at the finish line.

The winner of a thrilling women's race was Ailsa Clay (unattached, 1:27:20) by one second from W40 master Joanna Oliver (unattached, 1:27:21). Alex Binley (Hercules Wimbledon AC, 1:28:00) and W45 Liz Wynn (Serpentine Runners, 1:28:58) also went well under 90 minutes.

It was a beautiful sight as 750 runners set off within the shadow of the impressive Millennium Bridge in Walton-on-Thames for an opening three-mile lap followed by the remaining 10-and-a-bit miles to complete the half marathon. The course tracks the River Thames towpath for more than 10 miles and the runners were in full flow as they turned for the finish at Hampton Court!

Motivating pacers for 10 different pace groups; a super tech T-shirt; FREE race photos, and a collector's mug in blue hues that matched the blue skies were among the goodies available to all the racers. Race Director Tom Bedford had called upon his famous dad Dave Bedford OBE – the former world 10,000m record holder (27:30.8 in 1973) – as the official race starter.

River Thames Half Marathon concludes the 'Uber Boat by Thames Clippers' River Thames Running event series for 2024. The 2025 series commences with the Hampton Court Half Marathon (16 February) followed by the Kingston Breakfast 20, 16, and 8 Mile Runs (9 March) and the Kingston Half Marathon and 10K (5 October). The date for the 2025 River Thames Half Marathon is 26 October.

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

Photo courtesy River Thames Running on Facebook