The Thames Path takes on a different character as summer gives way to autumn, and runners have another opportunity to experience it at Thames Meander Autumn on Sunday 4 October.

Organised by Hermes Running, the event follows the summer edition staged in August and retains the familiar choice of Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K distances.

All three races use flat, out and back routes beside the River Thames, making this trail event considerably more runnable than its classification might suggest. Around 80% of the course is on asphalt paths, with the remainder predominantly hard-packed trail, and road shoes are recommended.

The riverside journey starts at Small Profit Dock Gardens in Barnes before crossing Barnes Bridge and following the Thames Path towards Kew Gardens and Petersham.

For 10K runners, Kew Gardens provides the turnaround point. Half Marathon runners continue towards Petersham & Ham Sea Scouts before retracing their steps, while Marathon entrants complete two 13.1-mile out and back loops.

That straightforward format makes pacing relatively simple and leaves runners free to concentrate on the changing riverside scenery rather than navigation. The routes are marked and marshalled, with stocked checkpoints and medical support available during the event.

The Marathon has previously been rated among the UK's top 10 trail marathons by Runner's World, but runners don't need to tackle 26.2 miles to enjoy the setting.

With three distances and a largely flat course beside one of London's most recognisable waterways, Thames Meander Autumn provides another chance to discover just how different trail running in the capital can be.

Enter via the runABC race hub right here.

Image by Valentin from Pixabay