Thousands of runners descended on Teddington Lock for the Richmond marathon and half-marathon yesterday (12 September).

The race, part of Richmond Runfest 2021, set off from Kew Gardens and followed the towpath towards Teddington Lock and footbridge.

Those doing the 13-mile section took a left towards Ham to go back towards Kew while the marathoners headed straight on for the longer route.

Conditions were almost perfect with a mid-morning temperature of about 18 degrees and supporters turned out in their hundreds to urge them onwards.

The course took runners on a scenic tour of Richmond starting at Kew Gardens and finishing at Old Deer Park, via Richmond Riverside and Ham House.

528 people took part in the full marathon while an incredible 2132 ran the half-marathon. Both events were sold out.

The route is distinctive for having no hills and is described as flat as a 'pancake.'

Participants were also given a t-shirt and a medal to mark their successful completion.

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The weekend also saw 2,000 runners complete socially distanced 10k runs in the beautiful surrounds of Kew Gardens.

Richmond Runfest is billed by organisers as "London's most exclusive race" and is the only time running is allowed in Kew's Royal Botanic Gardens, a World Heritage Site.

Click HERE to learn more about the event.

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