Take the scenic route with the Thames Half Marathon

Emdad Rahman

THE RIVER THAMES Half Marathon is organised by River Thames Running Limited, a company set up by Race Director Roy Reeder – who has been running in the parks, along the towpaths and on the roads of Elmbridge, Kingston and Richmond since 1996.

Reeder has organised Surrey League Cross Country races and for many years has helped on a voluntary basis at several local races: Cabbage Patch 10, Green Belt Relay, Richmond 13.1, Richmond Half, Harry Hawkes 10, Hampton Court Half and River Relay. He has also volunteered at many of the local parkruns: Bushy, Kingston, Wimbledon Common and Banstead Woods. A part qualified running coach, Reeder has completed over 300 parkruns, mostly in Bushy Park, Richmond Park and Kingston.

River Thames Running Limited aims to provide good, fast and safe courses over classic race distances. Now in its fourth year, the River Thames Half Marathon has quickly become one of Surrey’s most popular autumn half marathons. Runners like the flat, fast, scenic and largely traffic free course; the enthusiastic and friendly marshals; the efficient organisation and the bespoke medal and well stocked goody bag.

This year’s race takes place on Sunday, 29th October. The start and finish are at Walton Bridge, Surrey and there is ample parking close by. The route follows the River Thames towpath and roads to the south west of London. It is a perfect preparation event if you are running a marathon in November (such as Florence), but it’s also well worth doing if you just want the challenge of completing a half marathon.

The flat course attracts runners each year in search of a personal best or those looking to complete their first half marathon. There were over 1,700 finishers in 2016, and over 300 people have entered so far this year.

•For further details or to sign up, go to:
www.riverthamesrunning.co.uk

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