Richmond Running Festival 2014

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by Bastion Harrison (subscribe)

Freelance writer and poet from London; if you would like to read my poetry, please check out my book, 'Poems on the Page', available from goo.gl/Ta4oAX.

Event: 21/09/2014

A Jog Round Kew Gardens

Image from www.richmondrunningfestival.com

Running along tarmac roads can get pretty dull and miserable, but unfortunately, running through a field of flowers instead, is going to end up with the poor things being trampled. There is an alternative though. A run through Kew Gardens gives you the best of both worlds - proper paths and beautiful scenery.

Now I don't suggest you do this on any old day of the year - you might get a few stares - but the Richmond Running Festival is on the 21st September, and it is the perfect opportunity for families to get fit, raise money for charity, and a visit to the town's most popular attraction.

Last year participants raised £10,000 for the Mo Farah Foundation and Shooting Star Chase. 10% of all entry fees will go towards their two supported charities, which this year includes the Mo Farah Foundation and Poppy Factory.

There are three race options:

10 KM Run
8.30am, 17 years plus, £34 or £26 concessions

Half Marathon, £24 or £21 concessions

Kids' Mile
12pm, under 15s, £5

The terrain is a mix of road, towpath, and grass. There will be water stations every three miles, and you will be timed. Everyone who enters will get a Nike t-shirt, medal, and free beer (okay, the kids don't get beer).

If you are not running, but cheering your friends on, then why not go to the Richmond Fitness Expo in Old Deer Park. This is also the finishing line of all the runners, so you can be there to congratulate them when they arrive. The expo will include live bands, food stalls, children entertainment, and a double decker Bus Bar.