Carpe Diem is the strapline for Hermes Running and its highly experienced Race Director David Ross – a veteran of almost 500 marathons/ultra-marathons, including 25 races at 100 miles.

Roughly translated, Carpe Diem means: "seize the day", and is taken from the Roman poet Horace's work Odes (23BC) but today it simply means you have to act fast to secure an entry for the Hermes Running Thames Meander Marathon (or half marathon) on Saturday 6 August.

This runABC South featured race is a scenic, riverside run on the Thames Path from Petersham & Ham Sea Cadets, Richmond that has previously been rated among the top 10 marathons in the UK. There are different out and back routes for the full and half marathon and colour-coded numbers keep things clear when it's time to head for the finish.

The course is as flat as they come. Hermes Running reckon you gain just three feet in the half marathon and a massive 13 feet in the full marathon! There may not be much elevation but the terrain changes from tarmac to gravel to provide variety and a bit of a challenge.

This superb film by Stephen Cousins of Film My Run on YouTube sets the scene perfectly:

Last year's August event (there are further editions held in Spring and Autumn) saw 350 runners evenly distributed between the full and half marathon races. The half marathon winners were Charlie Baker (1:17:20) and Natalie Haarer (1:38:10). The full marathon was won by Jonathan Neville (2:47:54) and Tanya Usher (3:30:03).

Every Hermes Running event features a lovely medal; chip timing by Timing Monkey; race photography by Gareth Parker; first aid support by KLP Medical Supplies; professional sports massage; well-stocked checkpoints and a well-marked and marshalled route. 

Visit runABC South event listing here for race details, previous results and to enter. Online entries close on Wednesday 3 August but there will be some entries available on the day at the race HQ.

Visit Hermes Running website here for more information. 

Image courtesy Hermes Running/Thames Meander