For a little over a pound a mile you can pound the miles – all 20 of them – in Clapham Chasers' annual Thames Riverside 20 on Sunday 26 March 2023. The clock really is ticking for those final spring marathon preparations so the paced, fully mile-marked and marshalled Thames Riverside 20 is a timely opportunity to test your kit, race pace, nutrition, and hydration plan – you do have a plan, don't you?

As 'they' always say: "Failing to plan is planning to fail". And the helpful, experienced team at Clapham Chasers Running and Triathlon Club plans to do all they can to help you fine-tune your marathon planning – even down to the legendary Clapham Chasers baking squad who will be conjuring up a spread of delicious post-race cakes for runners (voluntary contributions will be donated to charity).

The Race HQ for Thames Riverside 20 is in Old Deer Park, Kew Road, Richmond and the course joins the scenic River Thames Towpath with an opening two loops heading south past Glover's Island, Eel Pie Island, and Swan Island. This brings runners to the halfway point from where the course takes you past Kew Bridge to Chiswick Bridge for the final turn for home.

The terrain varies and can be uneven in stretches. It's primarily on gravel with mud in places and limited lengths of tarmac footpaths. Normal marathon road racing or light trail shoes will be ideal.

Clapham Chasers provide pacers for groups running between 7:00/mile and 10:00/mile pace at 30-second intervals – so seven large groups will be able to run/race at a similar pace to mimic the mass participation marathon experience.

The entry fee is £28/£30 according to affiliation status and entrants must be over 18 on the day of the event. Last year's winners were Chris Fawcett (Hart Road Runners, 1:58:02) and Tracy Barlow (Thames Valley Harriers, 2:15:04). There were 211 finishers in 3:57:04 and just under 150 of those were inside three hours. The race starts at 8:00am and the official cut-off time is at 1:00pm.

There will be a covered, supervised bag drop in Old Deer Park; portaloos at the start/finish; drink stations every three miles; mobile first aid cyclists, and rapid online results to check.

Full details at the Thames Riverside 20 website.

Results available via the runABC South race listing.

Image courtesy Gavin Brandie, Clapham Chasers