RICHMOND RUN-FEST, A RUNNING FESTIVAL FIT FOR OLYMPIC ROYALTY
GoFundMe Richmond RUN-FEST will be welcoming yet another Olympian back to Kew Gardens on the 9th September. American marathon runner Jacob Riley, who finished 29th in the Tokyo Olympics, will be leading the pack at the upcoming Kew Gardens 10K.
Riley has a marathon personal best time of 2 hours 10 mins and will be using the race as preparation for the upcoming Berlin Marathon. Riley will be joined by thousands of runners over the weekend at South West London’s largest running event.
“I’m looking forward to running round Kew Gardens in the build-up to Berlin Marathon on the 24th September. During the lockdown I watched the British Olympic Trials event so I know the course is fast, flat and beautiful.”
Richmond’s annual two-day running festival is back for its 11th year and will have a total of 7,000 runners competing in various distances including a family and kids mile race in Old Deer Park, Richmond.
The weekend kicks off on Saturday 9th September with the Kew Gardens 10k followed by the Richmond Half and Full Marathon on the Sunday morning. The kids and family mile will finish off the weekend, and will hopefully inspire Britain’s future Olympians.
Tom Bedford, Race Director, said: “We’re looking forward to celebrating our 11th year and continuing to be South West London’s largest charity fundraiser. This year our kid’s and family mile moves to the Sunday so we’re in for an action-packed finish to the weekend. We still have places in the 10k, half and Mile races so there’s still time to join us!”
For more information, please visit www.run-fest.com.
Ice -Scream for Worthing RUN-FEST
The ice cream-themed medals went down a treat with the 1,984 finishers at Worthing RUN-FEST on Sunday 30 April 2023. There were three races on the card at this popular running festival in the Victorian seaside resort in Sussex, where the action started and finished close to the famous pier that was first opened to the public more than 160 years ago on 12 April 1862.
The seafront atmosphere was fully embraced by the RUN-FEST organisers, with dancing seagull mascots motivating and interacting with the runners out on the course.
The main event was the traditional Worthing Half Marathon held on a revised course on fully closed roads with just 37 metres of elevation gained in the 13.1 miles, justifying the claim to be flat and fast.
Simon Heath (Brighton Phoenix) ran away with the Worthing Gift Card prize provided by Worthing Town Centre Initiative in a blistering 1:08:25. The runners-up awards went to M50 Karl Spielmann (Marlow Striders, 1:15:14) and Owen Knight (Brighton Phoenix, 1:15:17).
Worthing & District Harriers were delighted to see a clean sweep of the women’s podium by the local club’s veterans Amelia Brown (W40, 1:24:02), Tracy Thomas (W35, 1:24:09) and Emma Footman (W40, 1:25:47).
There were 1,110 finishers in the half marathon in 3:27:51 and a further 713 opted for half the distance in the Worthing RUN-FEST 10K, won by Mark Burchett (Worthing, 35:54) and third-placed overall Kate Natkiel (Brighton Phoenix, 36:15).
Worthing RUNFEST also features a Family Mile that is free to enter for charity runners. The fastest times were 6:59 by Mason Kingston-Verner and 7:22 by Emlyn Evans. Worthing’s leading social care charity, Guild Care, was set to benefit from the fundraising in this event.
Next year the event will be on the 28th April, 2024 and entries will open soon. Visit the RUN-FEST website for more information.
Notes:
Saturday 9th September 2023
AM Richmond 10K (all inside Kew Gardens)
Sunday 10th September 2023
AM Richmond Marathon (Start Kew Gardens)
AM Richmond Half Marathon (Start Kew Gardens)
PM WWF Kids’ Mile races (Old Deer Park)
GoFundMe KEW THE RUN timetable:
Saturday 30th March 2024
Kew Gardens 10K
Sunday 31st March 2024
Kew Gardens Half Marathon
Sunday 28th April 2024
Worthing 10k
Worthing Half Marathon
PRESS ENQUIRIES:
Tom Bedford: info@run-fest.com
GoFundMe partners with RUN-FEST to help runners raise £1 million for charity
GoFundMe is set to become the new title partner of Richmond RUN-FEST and KEW THE RUN, as well as the official fundraising platform for all RUN-FEST’S events. GoFundMe and RUN-FEST enter into the new partnership with a shared goal to double the number of charity runners by 2024 to help raise £1 million a year for charity.
The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, the home of RUN-FEST, has marked a number of running firsts over the years and now marks GoFundMe’s first event partnership in the UK.
According to a brand tracking study from YouGov in July 2022, GoFundMe is now the UK’s most well-known fundraising platform amongst 18-49 year olds and continues to grow in popularity with charity fundraisers. In 2021, as well as helping thousands of individuals, charity fundraisers raised over £20 million on the platform.
RUN-FEST’s Race Director Tom Bedford said, “As we celebrate our 10th anniversary this September, we are pleased to welcome GoFundMe to the RUN-FEST family. In our first 10 years over £4 million has been raised for charity. By partnering with GoFundMe we believe this will significantly help our national and local charities hit higher targets.”
Over 8,000 runners are expected to complete the Richmond AIR:10K, Half & Marathon to raise money to help worthy causes nationally and locally across the weekend of the 10th – 11th September this year. This year’s marathon has already sold out but entries are still available in the Richmond AIR:10K, Half Marathon and Kids’ Mile races.
GoFundMe’s UK Head of Marketing Michael Smith said, “GoFundMe is the most helpful place on earth and with the platform growing in popularity with charity fundraisers, we’re delighted to be working with RUN-FEST and its charity partners to help even more runners take on the iconic runs in Kew Gardens for charity’’.
The GoFundMe Richmond AIR:10K, WWF Kids’ Mile and Visit Cayman Islands Sundown 5K all take place on Saturday 10th September followed by the Richmond Half and Full Marathon on Sunday 11th. Details of how to enter the races or become an official charity runner for RUNFEST’s official charities, visit: www.run-fest.com for more information.
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PRESS ENQUIRIES:
Tom Bedford: info@run-fest.com
Notes:
About GoFundMe
Founded in 2010, GoFundMe is a fundraising platform that connects people, causes, and nonprofits seeking support with those able to help. GoFundMe provides an efficient and safe platform to raise money for both immediate and long term needs, while making an impact on a global scale. GoFundMe is changing the way the world asks for and gives support. Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
GoFundMe Richmond RUNFEST weekend timetable:
Saturday 10th September 2022
AM Richmond AIR:10K (all inside Kew Gardens)
PM WWF Kids’ Mile races (Old Deer Park)
PM Visit Cayman Islands Richmond Sundown 5k
Sunday 11th September 2022
AM Richmond Marathon (Start Kew Gardens)
AM Richmond Half Marathon (Start Kew Gardens)
PM Family FunRun (Old Deer Park) 3pm
GoFundMe KEW THE RUN timetable:
Saturday 1st April 2023
Kew Gardens 10K
Sunday 2nd April 2023
Kew Gardens Half Marathon
England’s Top Masters to Compete at Kew in September!
Richmond RUNFEST are delighted to announce they will host the 2021 England Age Group Masters 10k and Half Marathon in Kew Gardens on 11th and 12th September. Following in the footsteps of the British Olympic Marathon trial, these runners will finally be able to put on their England vest that they earnt before the pandemic began and test the fast flat paths around Kew Gardens.
Tom Bedford, race director of Richmond RUNFEST says “Unfortunately, due to the ongoing pandemic, these amazing athletes have had to wait a long time to put on their well-earned England vest and race. However, we look forward to welcoming them to the beautiful Kew Gardens, where Chris Thompson and Steph Davis demonstrated its speed at the recent Olympic trial in March”.
Tom Craggs, England Athletics’ Road Running manager, says “We are absolutely delighted to be hosting our England Masters representative races at the Kew Gardens 10km and the Richmond Half Marathon this September.
The England masters programme aims to provide recognition and competition for the best age group athletes in England. Working in partnership with the team at RUNFEST we look forward to bringing together over 200 of the best masters athletes to race and compete over the flat, fast courses. It’ll be an exciting weekend and we are looking forward to seeing a welcome return to mass races after an incredibly challenging 18 months”.
Entries are still open into the Richmond RUNFEST weekend in September but are selling fast.
UK’s largest mass participation event of 2021 held in Kew Gardens
- Largest socially distanced event to have taken place in the UK in 2021
- Over 2,000 runners took part across the weekend in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- First ever wheelchair athlete to complete the course
- Panda’s attack each other (over 10K course) for charity
Mass running is officially back! The largest social distancing running event in the UK happened since lockdown 3.0 over the weekend. Over 2,000 runners got back to some sort of normality by running in a socially distanced 10K, all inside the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Runners were spread out over different allocated arrival times, holding zones, and then started 4 at a time in a successful first running event of this size in 2021.
Race Director, Tom Bedford said “It’s been a long winter for many but this weekend felt like the return of some normality. Running outside is one of the safest sports you can do and we are going to need many more races and parkrun’s for us to tackle the next problem of the pandemic that is obesity and mental health issues.”
“Our team have worked hard on making this event covid safe and I would like to thank all of our runners who listened to the many safety requests our volunteer team made to them”.
My two standout moments of the event were welcoming our first ever wheelchair athlete to complete the course, and two panda’s running for the WWF charity who battled it out over the final sprint. This might sound crazy but for me two people dressed as pandas having a good time and running for charity is the normality of this sport that I look forward to returning”.
At the front of the race, Paulos Surafel ran the fastest time of the weekend with an impressive time of 29 minutes and 57 seconds. The ‘Queen of Richmond’s’ title went to Samantha Amend, who was the fastest lady over the weekend with a time of 37 minutes and 24 seconds.
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PRESS ENQUIRIES:
Sarah Astin: info@richmondrunningfestival.com
Notes:
- Completely socially distanced event in a fully enclosed Kew Gardens, was closed off to all public during the run.
- The next event is the Richmond RUNFEST on the 11/12th September with events from 1 Mile to a Marathon.
Tokyo Olympic Marathon Trial Race to be hosted in Kew Gardens
British Athletics has republished the selection policy for the postponed Tokyo Olympic Games updated with the new marathon trial event which will now take place on a multi-lap course at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew on Friday 26 March 2021.
The trial race will be part of a weekend of events organised by Richmond RUNFEST who will also put on a socially distanced ‘Richmond Marathon and AIR:10K’ in South West London over the weekend. Last month, the Richmond RUNFEST team successfully put on two socially distanced 10K’s for over 3,500 runners on a course that is known for being sheltered and flat.
Tom Bedford, Richmond RUNFEST Race Director, said “In 2013, Richmond RUNFEST was created as a London Olympic Legacy event and it is a privilege for us to help our country’s top marathon runners book an Olympic place for Tokyo in 2021.
The borough of Richmond-Upon-Thames is the epicentre of British running history. It was the birthplace of the London Marathon and parkrun. Mo Farah was finely tuned up as an Olympic gold machine at St Mary’s University and even the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew played a part in raising the Olympic spirit going into the London 2012, celebrating ‘100 days to go’ and the Olympic Torch relay.
The Olympic Marathon Trials outside of the London Marathon is a unique but exciting prospect and during the hardest of years we hope that Richmond will once again rejuvenate the Olympic spirit of 2012 and make history again!”
Cherry Alexander OBE, Major Events Director said “We’re delighted to confirm the British Championships incorporating the Olympic Marathon Trial race is to be held at Kew Gardens. It is an iconic venue and lends itself well to a marathon course over multiple laps.
It’s great to be able to tap into the expertise of working with Tom who has experience of delivering races at the venue. His knowledge of what the athletes will need from the race will ensure we are putting them at the heart of the event and providing a great platform on which to perform well.”
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PRESS ENQUIRIES:
Sarah Astin: info@richmondrunningfestival.com
Notes:
- The Olympic Marathon qualifying times are 2:11:30 (men) and 2:29:30 (women).
- The Richmond RUNFEST team organise the Richmond Marathon and AIR:10k which will be held in Kew Gardens that same weekend (27th and 28th March).
PRESS RELEASE: Available immediately
Start KEW-ING now for Richmond RUNFEST 2021!
- New event calendar for 2021
- Richmond Marathon moving to Saturday 27th March
- AIR 10K moving venues to Kew Gardens 28th March
- Richmond Half Marathon returns in September
Following the two successful socially distanced Kew Gardens 10k events, organisers Richmond RUNFEST have announced a brand new format for 2021. London’s flattest marathon will return with a new spring date on Saturday 27th March, followed a day later by the brand new AIR:10K inside Kew Gardens.
Race Director Tom Bedford said: “The Richmond Marathon was sadly postponed in 2020 but will be back with many social distancing measures and will be the only mass spring marathon in London, as the London Marathon moves to an autumn date.
Race director, Tom Bedford, said “I’m really excited about the AIR:RUN finally happening as the event was postponed twice due to COVID-19, but with our successful socially distanced 10k’s inside Kew Gardens, we have a venue that will make it third time lucky!”
“AIR stands for ‘Audio Inspired Running’ and runners will be able to listen to an audio tour of Kew Gardens as they run whilst listening to their own music at the same time.”
“We also look forward to welcoming runners back to our normal Richmond RUNFEST event in September, this will include a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Kids’ races, accompanied by our music after-party in Old Deer Park (COVID-19 permitting).
“2020 was a tough year for many of our events but we were able to put on two socially distanced 10k’s that are about to raise £200,000 for charity. We would like to say a big thank you to our runners and volunteers who have supported us through this year, and we look forward to a more positive 2021!”
Entries for the spring Richmond Marathon and AIR:10K are now open with COVID-19 safety procedures and a refund policy to protect our runners incase 2021 is not what we hope it will be.
2021 Events Calendar:
SPRING*
SATURDAY 27th March: Richmond Marathon
SUNDAY 28th March: AIR 10K (Inside Kew)
AUTUMN*
Richmond RUNFEST:
SATURDAY 18th September: findarace.com Kew Gardens 10K (Inside Kew Gardens) & Children With Cancer UK KIDS’ Mile and Richmond Sundown 5K both in Old Deer Park.
SUNDAY 19th September: Richmond Half Marathon & Family Funrun.
*Events and dates are correct at the time of going to press but are subject to final approval from the venue.
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PRESS ENQUIRIES:
Sarah Astin: info@richmondrunningfestival.com
Notes:
- Children with Cancer is the Charity of the Year for 2021
- Richmond RUNFEST 2019 raised over £730,000 for Charity during last year’s event and over seven years they have raised £3 million in total for Charity.
Mass Kew 10k Back With Social Distancing Success
- Largest socially distanced event to have taken place in the UK since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic
- 3,500 runners took part across the weekend in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Sajid Javid MP, raises thousands for Charity
- Winner Seyfu Jamaal breaks club record
Mass running is officially back! The largest social distancing running event in the UK happened over the weekend. 3,500 runners got back to some sort of normality by running in the socially distanced findarace.com Kew Gardens 10k, all inside the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Runners were spread out over different allocated arrival times, holding zones, and then started 4 at a time in a successful first running event of this size in the country since the outbreak of COVID-19.
Race Director, Tom Bedford said “With many mass participation sporting events cancelled since February, there were a lot of eyes on us as many people didn’t believe that we could put on a socially distanced running event, but I am pleased to say it was a success and that all of the hard work from our team during lockdown paid off. A lot of the feedback we have received so far is that people felt safe and socially distanced throughout the event and I would like to thank our runners for cooperating under our strict COVID-19 rules whilst still having fun. One of our motives was to provide a physical platform for charity fundraising and to help build fitness, and physical and mental well-being. We are proud to be the only running event to fundraise for our incredible charities during this difficult period.
I thank the runners but I would also like to thank all of the staff, amazing volunteers and Kew Gardens for coming together to get this event over the start line and I hope it paves the way for other safe running events and parkruns to return as soon as possible.”
Former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sajid Javid, raised an outstanding £12,500 for Charity, whilst running a fantastic time of 53 minutes and 44 seconds. However, he was almost 20 minutes behind the winner, Seyfu Jamaal, who ran the fastest time of the weekend. His impressive time of 30 minutes and 14 seconds broke London Heathside AC’s 16 year old club record. The ‘Queen of Richmond’s’ title went to British international, Tracey Barlow, who was the fastest lady over the weekend with a time of 34 minutes and 54 seconds.
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PRESS ENQUIRIES:
Sarah Astin: info@richmondrunningfestival.com
Notes:
- Completely socially distanced event in a fully enclosed Kew Gardens, was closed off to all public during the run.
- findarace.com, the title Sponsor, is the UK’s most popular marketplace for mass participation events. They help millions of people every year discover and book races. A gateway to thousands of inspiring, memorable and brilliantly sweaty experiences.
- The Intertrust Cayman Islands Marathon is going ahead on 6th December 2020 – sign up here for the next socially distanced event.
- Charity of the year is Children with Cancer UK .
- The post-poned Richmond Marathon, Half Marathon, 5k, and Kids’ events will return in April 2021.
Kew Gardens 10k Adds Additional Socially Distanced Date
Embargoed Thursday 26th March 06:00am
FROM THE FRONTLINE TO THE FINISH LINE
Running Organisers Spread Rainbow of Hope!
The Richmond RUNFEST and AIR:RUN organisers have joined the rainbow movement to Spread Hope to their community and thank all NHS staff on the front line.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, rainbow pictures are appearing on windows throughout the UK, Italy, Spain, USA and Canada to spread hope, kindness and boost morale to anyone who sees.
The Runfest team have announced they are spreading hope and togetherness at a time when we all need it by introducing a ‘Rainbow of Hope’ theme to both the Richmond RUNFEST (12th & 13th September) and AIR:RUN (postponed until 25th October) and are giving all NHS staff a FREE entry into the AIR:RUN.
Tom Bedford, Race Director of RUNFEST and AIR:RUN says: “Our World as we know it has changed for us all and we will feel this global impact for many months to come. There isn’t much in the form of positivity except for the exceptional acts of kindness happening around the World. It seems that the one thing we do have control over is kindness and goodwill, so we are spreading hope to our community by introducing a rainbow theme to all of our events and thanking the brilliant NHS staff for being our heroes during this time.”
“Starting now, the rainbow theme will flow through to race day with themed start/finish gantries, flags, banners and decorations. Runners, we encourage you to join in with rainbow running outfits to spread the message that we are in this together and in the autumn, WE WILL RUN TOGETHER.”
Are you an NHS hero and would you like to run the AIR: 10K, Half Marathon, 5K or Family Mile on Sunday 25th October? Click here for more information and to register.
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Notes:
Richmond RUNFEST event schedule:
- Kew Gardens 10K – 12th Sept.
- Children with Cancer UK Kids’ Mile – 12th Sept.
- Richmond Sundown 5K – 12th Sept.
- Richmond Marathon – 13th Sept.
- Richmond Half Marathon – 13th Sept.
- RUNFEST Family Mile – 13th Sept.
The RUNFEST Family Music Festival runs though 12th and 13th September.
AIR:RUN event schedule – all on 25th October:
- AIR:10K
- AIR:13.1 (Half Marathon)
- AIR:5K
- AIR:FAMILY MILE
For more information and to enter AIR:RUN visit: www.airrun.london
Rainbow of Hope
The rainbow is a symbol of hope. Help spread this by drawing a rainbow and putting it on your window to let everyone who sees it know that We Stand Together!
Take a pic and put this on your social media tagging in @RichmondRUNFEST and using these hashtags to spread hope further:
#rainbow #hope #spreadhope #rainbowwindow #westandtogether.
Embargoed: Monday 9th March
Kids Run To Support Children’s Cancer Charity
Children with Cancer UK has been revealed as the new title partner of the Richmond RUNFEST’s ‘Kids’ Mile’ event on Saturday 12th September 2020.
The RUNFEST Kid’s Mile has grown considerably since 2013 when the organisers set a challenge to create a kids run that’s fun, inclusive and you don’t have to win to get a prize. With the help of Nike every little Kids’ Mile finisher over the past 7 years has been rewarded like a champion with a quality Nike t-shirt and a huge medal.
Each year, RUNFEST donate 800 (out of the 1,500) entries free to local schools. Since 2019, the total number of free places is 5,600, a 73% of the total finishers to date.
“The Kids’ Mile has always been our favourite event and we never take for granted seeing our kids grow each year and enjoy running more. Now that the Kids’ race is a sell out event it’s time to give something back to families who need it so we are ecstatic to welcome Children with Cancer UK and we hope to encourage children to not only learn about fundraising, but to learn about how and why they are making a difference.” Jade Bedford, Head of Charities.
Jonathan Littledale, Sports Events Manager at Children with Cancer UK: “We are delighted to be partnering with Richmond RUNFEST for this year’s Children with Cancer UK Kids Mile. Through this partnership we hope to inspire kids to pick up their running shoes and take on this brilliant event in aid of Children with Cancer UK and the children and young people that we support. This partnership will help us raise awareness and funds for vital lifesaving childhood cancer research and support our vision of a world where no child dies of cancer.”
The 12th September will not disappoint with great local bands setting the atmosphere for the day and partners such as `Brentford FC CST’ and ‘Lions Sports Academy’ providing the kids entertainment. The Fuller’s bar will be open from 11am with quality food vendors to sustain the kids and parents.
To make a proper day of it, there are places in the renowned Kew Gardens 10K in the morning and the Richmond Sundown 5K in the evening for older siblings and parents to get their Nike tee’s and chunky medals too.
Registration for the Children with Cancer UK Kids’ Mile on 12th September from 2pm – 5pm is now open. Click here
About Children with Cancer UK
For over 30 years, Children with Cancer UK has raised and invested money for specialist research in order to help save the lives of children with Cancer and keep families together. Cancer is still unfortunately the most common medical cause of death in children and young people, with around 4,500 diagnosed with cancer each year. United by the common goal of saving and improving young lives, the small team has taken huge steps, raising over £230 million.
They have been the driving force behind the Royal Hospital for Children in Bristol, the Paul O’Gorman Patient Hotel at Great Ormond Street, Paul’s House at UCL. Through research and improving treatment, childhood cancer survival rates have increased from 64% to 84%. Thanks to
the lifesaving work of Children with Cancer UK, thousands of patients have rung the inspirational End of Treatment Bell, meaning that they’ve finished their treatment and are ready to get on with a full life.
Children with Cancer UK has been named as RUNFEST’s Charity of the Year 2020
- 10,000 participants completed the Richmond RUNFEST 2019
- RUNFEST is on target to hit £700,000 for charity in 2019 totaling in 3 million overall
- Richmond Marathon & Half set to sell out in April 2020
- Kew Gardens 10K on target to sell out in May 2020
- Other events in RUNFEST series is the graze Richmond Sundown 5K, Kids Mile and Family Mile
SUN SHINES ON THE LARGEST EVER 2019 REALLBUZZ.COM RICHMOND RUNFEST
- 10,000 runners complete the annual running festival.
- Marathon course record was broken by Kew Gardens 10k record holder, Chris Thompson.
- New evening 5k event sponsored by Richmond-based graze
- Four lucky runners win trip to Cayman Islands
- 2012 Olympian wins Kew Gardens 10k
RACE DIARY: the weekend’s races and results
PRESS RELEASE: available immediately
Richmond runners ready to run away!
Embargoed: 28th June 2019
Get your bum down to the Sundown 5k
The realbuzz.com Richmond RUNFEST are excited to launch their new 5k race – The RICHMOND SUNDOWN 5K. This will be an evening race in Richmond Upon Thames starting at 7pm on Saturday 14thSeptember at the Richmond RUNFEST. Participants can watch the sun go down as they make their way around the 5k course and finish with a special music after party where Sharlene & Vula from Basement Jaxx will be headlining.
This 5k course is fun and flat with entertainment every 500m to keep the runners going! Each participant will receive a fantastic medal AND a beer at the end.
The 5K follows on from the Richmond Kids’ events in the afternoon where there is also entertainment for the little runners, so the whole family can have fun and be active throughout the day. In addition to this is the Richmond Fitness Expo and a variety of Food vendors for post-run refuelling. Entry into this post-run fun is free to all family & friends so bring them along and ‘Bingo Bango’ together!
Race Director, Tom Bedford said “music is an important element to a RUNFEST event so we are super excited to have Sharlene and Vula performing with their band. It does not matter if you walk it, jog it or run it. Just ‘Do your thing’ and join us on the 14thSeptember! “
There are 100 early bird (£5 off) places available so make the most of this and enter quick! – https://bit.ly/2ITBCOs
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PRESS ENQUIRIES:
Sarah Astin: info@richmondrunningfestival.com
Notes:
Still charity places available in the 10k, Half Marathon and Full Marathon.
Richmond RUNFEST weekend timetable:
Saturday 14th September 2019
AM Kew Gardens 10k (Inside Kew Gardens)
PM Kids’ Mile races (Old Deer Park)
PM New Sundown 5k run
Sunday 15th September 2019
AM Richmond Marathon (Start Kew Gardens)
AM Richmond Half Marathon (Start Kew Gardens)
PM Family FunRun (Old Deer Park)
British Heart Foundation to be RUNFEST’s Charity of the Year 2019
The Richmond RUNFEST is proud to announce British Heart Foundation (BHF) is the new Charity of the year for 2019. The partnership will raise vital funds for the BHF’s life saving research to help beat heartbreak forever.
Heart and circulatory diseases, including coronary heart disease, stroke, vascular dementia and their risk factors such as diabetes, devastate millions of families across the UK. Money raised from Richmond RUNFEST events in 2019 will go towards helping us better understand how to prevent, diagnose and treat heart and circulatory diseases, which are responsible for 1 in 4 deaths in the UK.
Liam O’Reilly, Third Party Events Lead at the BHF said, “We’re honoured to have been chosen as Richmond RUNFEST’s Charity of the Year 2019. It’s a truly fantastic way to generate awareness for our cause and to help raise money to fund lifesaving research for the seven million people in the UK living with heart and circulatory diseases which include heart disease, vascular dementia and stroke.”
Jade Bedford, Assistant Race Director at RUNFEST, says: “We are delighted to welcome the British Heart Foundation as our Charity of the Year 2019. As our first headline charity focused on beating heartbreak forever, we are excited to be a part of this challenge to encourage our runners to ‘run with heart’!”
Richmond RUNFEST’s Kew Gardens 10k is taking place on Saturday 14th September followed by the Half and Full Marathon on Sunday 15th September.
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PRESS RELEASE: 14th December 2018
Richmond RUNFEST Raises Record Amount for Charity
Runners at this year’s ‘realbuzz.com Richmond RUNFEST’ raised over £630,000 for Charity. This total is more than last year’s £550,000 and sets a new fundraising record for the event. Since the inauguration in 2013, the event has now raised over £2 million for charities and local community groups.
2018 was the largest ever Richmond RUNFEST with just under 10,000 finishers across the weekend of events. This year they introduced a new 5k which was held in Old Deer Park, contributing towards the record number of finishers.
“I would like to say a big thank you to Great Ormond Street Hospital for allowing us to officially use a ‘Peter Pan’ theme, which certainly added many smiles to the best ever Richmond RUNFEST to date. Our record amount of money raised for charities would not happen without our hundreds of volunteers and local community groups, so a big thank you and Merry Christmas to them.
In a year that’s seen a slight decrease in event registrations nationally across running events, we continue to sell out in record times. We are already massively up on last year’s numbers and expect to sell out even earlier this year. We have some big plans for 2019 that we look forward to sharing with you in the New Year, along with next year’s headline Charity of the Year”. Race Director, Tom Bedford.
Next year’s event will continue to have the 5k, 10k and Kids’ Mile on Saturday 14th September and the Half Marathon, Full Marathon and Family Mile on Sunday 15th September.
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Notes:
‘Richmond RUNFEST’ was created in 2013 as a Richmond Upon Thames Olympic Legacy event, launched by Mo Farah in Kew Gardens.
Over 800 children from local schools are given free entry into the Kids’ Mile races.
Press enquires:
Sarah Astin | info@richmondrunningfestival.com| 020 3602 4244
PRESS RELEASE: 26 July 2018
THERE’S A REAL BUZZ ABOUT THE 2018 RICHMOND RUNFEST
Realbuzz.com announced as title sponsor of September running festival
Running and fitness online retail specialist, realbuzz.com has been unveiled as the new title sponsor for this autumn’s Richmond RUNFEST. 100 runners, plus GB Olympian and World Athletics Medallist, Jenny Meadows, gathered at the new realbuzz Piccadilly Circus store last night (Wednesday 25 July) to enjoy the celebrations and a team 5k training run around St James’ Park.
To add to the buzz of the night, the race team also revealed the newest addition to the event line-up; the Richmond 5k: Pirate Run. Taking place at 12.30 on Saturday 15th September, the Richmond 5k: Pirate Run will enjoy an action packed journey round Old Deer Park. The race will be chip timed and runners will receive a t-shirt and race medal.
Over 8,000 runners will gather at Kew Gardens across the weekend of 15th and 16thSeptember to enjoy the sixth edition of this hugely popular running festival.
Paul Eaton, chief marketing officer at realbuzz.com says: “We are excited to be joining forces with one of the UK’s finest running festivals. We cannot wait to meet the thousands taking part, not only to provide expert training advice and the latest sports apparel and shoes but to support their running journeys and cheer them across the line in September.”
Tom Bedford, Race Director adds: “We are so proud to welcome realbuzz.com to the Richmond RunFest family and look forward to a brilliant festival in September. The two teams fit perfectly together with one common goal; to encourage more people of all ages and fitness abilities to enjoy the sport of running.
“Our new 5k is a much anticipated addition to our line up and we can’t wait to unveil the numerous surprises we have planned for the route. With our theme confirmed as Neverland, Peter Pan, mermaids, lost boys, crocodiles, Captain Hook and the Pirates of the Jolly Rogger will create a very magical race experience for thousands of families.”
The realbuzz.com Richmond RUNFEST races include:
- Saturday 15th: Newly unveiled and open for entries, Richmond 5k; Pirate Run, two loops of Old Deer Park (12.30). Race entry: £12.00. Followed by 1,500 kids running in the Richmond Kids Mile. Race entry: £10.
- Saturday 15th: London’s flattest 10k running entirely inside the Royal Botanic Gardens with views of the newly restored Temperate House. Flat, fast; great for PB hunters.
- Sunday 16th: Half and full marathon through Kew Gardens, Ham House and Hampton Court Palace.
- Sunday 16th: Family Mile, a fun run at Old Deer Park for children over the age of 5 and their families.
- Goddess of Victory Challenge: run two races across the weekend including 5k or 10k and half or full marathon to be in with the chance of an exclusive medal, Goddess of Victory ranking and prize money*
Charity places are still available for the 10k, half and full marathon – now’s the time to confirm your spot in this beautifully scenic race while fundraising for a fantastic cause.
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Words: 523
PRESS ENQUIRIES:
NICKI PETITT, nickipetitt@outlook.com
*prize money not available for those running the 5k as a race option for the Goddess of Victory Challenge
Notes:
realbuzz is an independent online performance leisure and fitness brand. realbuzz Piccadilly Circus is now open. The biggest of its 13 stores is located opposite the world-famous jumbo screens on Regent Street. realbuzz offers specialist footwear, clothing, and accessories from all the biggest brands. This includes adidas, New Balance, Brooks, ASICS and many more.
Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity to be RUNFEST’s Charity of the Year 2018!
The Richmond RUNFEST, London’s most beautiful event is proud to announce Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) Children’s Charity is the new Charity of the Year for 2018.
GOSH Charity joins The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Charity, to be the official charities in what the organisers hope will be another very successful fundraising year for the event.
The Richmond RUNFEST hit a new fundraising record in 2017, helping to raise over £550,000 for worthy causes nationally and locally. The fundraising total in the five years of RUNFEST now stands at over £1.5 million.
“We are extremely proud to welcome Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity for 2018. We were blown away by the support and care that Great Ormond Street Hospital provides to seriously ill children and are delighted to support its charity. As an event we care about the next generation and couldn’t be more proud to host both our 2018 charities for their care and dedication to research. I would like to thank all our runners and volunteers who helped us break our fundraising record for the 5th year in a row! “ Race Director, Tom Bedford.
Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity raises vital funds to help support seriously ill children from across the UK who are treated at GOSH, and their families too. Money raised by runners who take on the distances at the Richmond Running Festival will help to fund the most urgent needs of the hospital from pioneering new medical research and funding the most up to date medical equipment, to supporting services for children and their families and funding the essential rebuilding and refurbishment of the hospital.
Laura Savory, Head of Community Fundraising at Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity said: “We are thrilled to be the official charity partner for the Richmond RUNFEST in 2018, which is a really exciting event in the running calendar. Every penny raised by runners in aid of GOSH Charity will help to make a vital difference to seriously ill children from across the UK. I would like to wish everyone who signs up the very best of luck with their training.”
For another year we are proud to be the official charity partner of the year for Richmond RUNFEST. You can help support Kew by being part of #KewTeamOrchid to help fund plant-based solutions to global challenges such as biodiversity loss, food security, poverty, disease and changing climate. None of this important work can be done without the help of our wonderful supporters.” Alex Stephenson, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Charity.
To help Richmond RUNFEST charities reach new fundraising goals, we are delighted to partner with JustGiving as our online giving partner. The world’s most trusted online giving platform, JustGiving is committed to using the best the web has to offer to help great causes reach more people, raise more money and change more lives.
The 2018 Richmond RUNFEST weekend will be held on Saturday 15th September with the Kew Gardens 10K, ALL inside Kew Gardens. Sunday 16th September will include the Richmond Half and Full Marathon. Entries for 2018 Sunday events are selling fast and the Kew Gardens 10k early bird entries will open on boxing day!
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Notes:
‘Richmond RUNFEST’ was created in 2013 as a Richmond Upon Thames Olympic Legacy event, launched by Mo Farah in Kew Gardens.
Over £1,500,000 has been raised for charity. 10% of all race entries are donated to local charities and community projects.
Over 800 children from local schools are given free entry into the Kids’ Mile races.
About Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity
Great Ormond Street Hospital is one of the world’s leading children’s hospitals with the broadest range of dedicated, children’s healthcare specialists under one roof in the UK. The hospital’s pioneering research and treatment gives hope to children from across the UK with the rarest, most complex and often life-threatening conditions. Our patients and families are central to everything we do – from the moment they come through the door and for as long as they need us.
Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity needs to raise money to support the hospital to give children who need help the most, the best chance for life. The charity funds research into pioneering new treatments for children, provides the most up to date medical equipment, funds support services for children and their families and supports the essential rebuilding and refurbishment of the hospital. You can help us to provide world class care for our patients and families. For more information visit www.gosh.org
If you require more information and photo’s please contact:
Jade Parker | jade@richmondrunningfestival.com | 020 3602 4244
Embargoed: 3rd March 2017
Richmond RUNFEST hit £1 million charity target!
The Richmond RUNFEST, London’s most exclusive race, announces they have raised over £1 million for charity in only 4 years of running.
Raising money to help worthy causes nationally and locally, the Richmond RUNFEST 2016 included 25 partner charities and two official charities ‘The Kew Foundation’ and ‘Alzheimer’s Society’.
To achieve such a milestone in just four years is an Olympic achievement considering the size of the race. With the addition of the new Kew Gardens 10k and Richmond Marathon events, we hope to double this number in half the time!’ Race Director, Tom Bedford.
Richmond RUNFEST are delighted to reveal the Official Charities of 2017 are: Macmillan Cancer Support and The Kew Foundation.
We’re very excited to be the official charity partner for Richmond RUNFEST this year and would love for you to be a part of #TeamMacmillan!’. Helen Hancock, Regional Events Fundraising Manager, Macmillan Cancer Support.
For another year we are proud to be the official charity partner of the year for Richmond RUNFEST, you can help support Kew by being part of #KewTeamOrchid!’ Alex Stephenson, Kew Foundation.
Kew is finding plant-based solutions to global challenges such as biodiversity loss, food security, poverty, disease and changing climate. Our scientists are discovering new ways of using plants for the benefit of people, whilst working hard to conserve and restore the world’s habitats, particularly those most in danger. None of this important work can be done without the help of our wonderful supporters.
Additionally, Richmond RUNFEST and everydayhero are proud to announce our partnership will run throughout 2017. Fundraisers on everydayhero typically raise 46% more than other fundraisers by making use of the fitness app integrations on offer.
The 2017 Richmond RUNFEST will be held in a new weekend format. Saturday 16th September the new Kew Gardens 10K will take place inside Kew Gardens. Sunday 17th September will return including the Richmond Half and Full Marathon. Entries for 2017 are still available, however register now, entries are 1 month ahead of schedule.
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Notes:
‘Richmond RUNFEST’ was created in 2013 as a Richmond Upon Thames Olympic Legacy event, launched by Mo Farah in Kew Gardens.
Over £1,000,000 has been raised for charity. 10% of all race entries are donated to local charities and community projects.
Over 800 children from local schools are given free entry into the Nike Kids’ Mile races.
New Richmond RUNFEST weekend timetable:
Saturday 16th September 2017
AM Kew Gardens 10k (Inside Kew Gardens)
PM NIKE Kids’ Mile races (Old Deer Park)
Sunday 17th September 2017
AM Richmond Marathon (Start Kew Gardens)
AM Richmond Half Marathon (Start Kew Gardens)
PM NIKE Family FunRun (Old Deer Park)
If you require more information or photos please get in contact:
Jade Parker, Head of Communications, Richmond RUNFEST jade@richmondrunningfestival.com | 0208 943 1837
Embargoed: 10th February 2017
KEW GARDENS 10K: LONDON’S MOST EXCLUSIVE RACE
The ‘Richmond RUNFEST’, London’s Most Exclusive Race, just got more beautiful!
‘Richmond RUNFEST’ launches a brand new 10k course that runs completely inside the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, on Saturday the 16th September, 2017. The new course means that runners will get to view the beauty of Kew as fast (or slow) as they want.
In the 4 years it has been running, the ‘Richmond RUNFEST’ has raised over £1million for charities expects to raise even more due this new Saturday event. The Kew Gardens 10K is followed up on Sunday 17th September, by a full and half marathon running through London’s greenest borough.
“The Kew Gardens 10k course is one of the worlds most scenic, which allows runners to run to every inch of a World Heritage Site.
The new course has been four years in the making and would not have happened without the great support of Kew Gardens, who continue their London 2012 legacy.
The new course is not only beautiful but flat, so perfect for our Olympians to test it and see if it can also be the UK’s fastest 10k!”
Tom Bedford, Race Director.
With only 2,000 public entries available the Kew Gardens 10k is expected to sell out early.
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Notes:
‘Richmond RUNFEST’ was created in 2013 as a Richmond Upon Thames Olympic Legacy event, launched by Mo Farah in Kew Gardens.
Over £1,000,000 has been raised for charity. 10% of all race entries are donated to local charities and community projects.
Over 800 children from local schools are given free entry into the Nike Kids’ Mile races.
New Richmond RUNFEST weekend timetable:
Saturday 16th September 2017
AM Kew Gardens 10k (Inside Kew Gardens)
PM NIKE Kids’ Mile races (Old Deer Park)
Sunday 17th September 2017
AM Richmond Marathon (Start Kew Gardens)
AM Richmond Half Marathon (Start Kew Gardens)
PM NIKE Family FunRun (Old Deer Park)
If you require more information or photos please get in contact:
Jade Parker, Head of Communications, Richmond RUNFEST jade@richmondrunningfestival.com | 0208 943 1837
Queen Pavey and King Thompson rock Richmond!
On Sunday there was a Royal treat for the spectators in Kew Gardens as Jo Pavey, Charlotte Purdue, Chris Thompson and Scott Overall dueled it out for victory in the ‘Kew Gardens 10k’.
Taking back her ‘Queen of Richmond’ title, super-mum Jo Pavey conquered triumphantly in a time of 33mins 10secs only two days short of her 43rd birthday.
“This is my first race since Rio and I absolutely love it here. I am pleased to have won against many good runners”.
“It’s so cool this event with a mix of surfaces; Kew Gardens Path, trail and grass. It’s really exciting and I absolutely loved it.” Jo Pavey
Reigning champion Chris Thompson, clocked up a hat-trick of victories in a sprint finish with 2012 Olympian Scott Overall. The training partners were neck and neck until the final sprint. With 100m to go Thompson exploded through the line in 30mins 20secs followed seconds later by Overall.
The inaugural ‘Richmond Marathon’ that ran through Hampton Court Palace was won by Paul Holley in 2hrs 46mins 30secs and Amy Clements in an impressive 2hrs 57mins 17secs. The winners were crowned on signature thrones and presented with a 1.5 meter Runfest trophy!
Throughout the afternoon over 1,000 children competed in the NIKE Kids’ Mile with live bands and the Richmond Fitness Expo keeping the crowds entertained through to the end.
The 2017 Richmond RUNFEST will be held on Sunday 17th September with entries for the Richmond Half now available. After such a successful event, entries are expected to sell our 6 months in advance!
If you require more information or photos please get in contact:
Jade Parker, Head of Communications, Richmond RUNFEST jade@richmondrunningfestival.com | 0208 943 1837
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Notes:
This is 4th running of the event inspired by London 2012. This year the Richmond Marathon event has been added which runs through Hampton Court Palace.
Richmond RUNFEST is expected to raise over 1 million for national and local charities since the inaugural race in 2013.
The Richmond Fitness Expo and Music Festival was held in Old Deer Park on Sunday 18th September, free to the public.
10% of all race entry fees for the Richmond RUNFEST will go directly to charity.
Alzheimer’s Society (www.alzheimers.org.uk) and
The Kew Foundation (www.kew.org/about/our-work/people-and-departments/about-kew-foundation).
Embargoed: 14th April 2016
Richmond Marathon: Announcing Britain’s Crown Jewel of Running
The ‘Richmond RUNFEST’, London’s Most Exclusive Race, just got more beautiful!
On 18th September, ‘Richmond RUNFEST’ celebrates its first Olympic-cycle by introducing a full distance river running Marathon through the Royal Borough of Richmond-Upon-Thames.
Starting inside the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the race will tour Londons’ greenest borough, running through the historic Hampton Court Palace.
The Richmond Marathon is expected to raise over half a million pounds for charity and will run in conjunction with The Richmond Half Marathon, the Kew Gardens 10K and the NIKE Kids’ Mile.
“The Richmond Marathon course is one of the worlds most scenic races that allows runners to run past three historic bridges, two Royal Palaces, and one music festival.
This event has been three years in the making and would not have happened without the great support of Kew Gardens, Hampton Court Palace, Richmond and Kingston Council.
‘Richmond RUNFEST’ was inspired by the Great London Olympics four years ago and it is an honor to create an event that runs past the exact spot where Bradley Wiggins made Olympic history.” Tom Bedford, Race Director.
With only 1,000 public entries it is expected the race will sell out early.
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Notes:
‘Richmond RUNFEST’ was created in 2013 as a Richmond Upon Thames Olympic Legacy event, launched by Mo Farah in Kew Gardens.
In 2015 over £350,000 was raised for charity. 10% of all race entries are donated to local charities and community projects.
Over 800 children from local schools are given free entry into the Nike Kids’ Mile races.
If you require more information or photos please get in contact: Jade Parker, Head of Communications, Richmond RUNFEST jade@richmondrunningfestival.com | 0208 943 1837
For immediate release: 1st April 2016
The Worlds First Under 12’s Half Marathon!
Richmond RUNFEST announces the launch of the first ever Kids’ Under 12’s Half Marathon.
After the great success of the NIKE Kids’ Mile, the Richmond RUNFEST is launching the first ever Under 12’s Half Marathon. The NIKE kids’ Race, which take place after the adults Half & 10k on 18th September, has been such a corner stone for beating child obesity that they have decided to go one step (and a bit more) further.
The course will be supported by Milk stations on route to fit in with the Governments Nutritional guidelines and ‘Sleep Stops’ will be implemented at mile 3 and 9. Although this is not classed as an IAAF sanctioned race, all participants will be drug tested.
‘I think this is a great way to beat obesity for children. If every child in the borough ran in this race, we will undoubtedly cure childhood obesity in one day. We are also delighted to have Bob the Builders cousin ‘Joe the Jogger’ as the Official Race Starter.’ Tom Bedford, Race Director.
Public Entries for the adults Half Marathon have nearly sold out and we expect the Kids Half Marathon to follow suit.
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Notes:
Richmond RUNFEST was created in 2013 as a Richmond Upon Thames Olympic Legacy, launched by Mo Farah in Kew Gardens
10% of all the race entry fees for the 2015 Richmond RUNFEST went directly to our two local official charities:Over 800 children from local schools are given free entry into the Nike Kids’ Mile races.
For immediate use: 1st April 2016
If you require more information or photos please get in contact.
Jade Parker, Head of Communications, Richmond RUNFEST
E: jade@richmondrunningfestival.com | 0208 943 1837
