On 14th September 2025 I took part in the Richmond Run-Fest Marathon. I have been taking part in the Richmond Run-Fest events for many years. Always good events with great organisers. It has been a couple of years since I have been able to go down to Kew Gardens for this events, so I was happy when Xempo “racepacing” invited me to be the 4:30 pacer.
Today was my 172nd Marathon (plus) and my 127th time as an official pacer (including 64 marathons). It was my 11th marathon of 2025, and 8th as a pacer this year.
I asked to pace 4:30 rather than 4 hours for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is sandwiched between Sydney and Berlin Marathon so I wanted to ensure I had a little rest. Secondly, it was my birthday yesterday and pacing a little slower allowed me to enjoy my birthday without worrying too much.
I arrived at 07:00 for when the gates opened. This enabled me to go straight to the toilet with no queue, and get ready for the start. The marathon started at 08:00 with 5 waves. The best thing, it was self seeded, which I would like to see more of. So all runners went to where they thought they could run. Of course some go in wrong place, but those runners would just put wrong time on registration. But self seeded waves means runners can adjust depending on how they feel and how their training has been.
I was at the front of the 4th wave, and got in pace before other runners, making it easy for people to know where to go. I had a huge group of runners. Man first timers and pretty much all going for 4:30 for the first time. I hope my words at the start helped to ease them in.
The waves were well spread. It meant I waited 15 minutes to start, but also meant I didn’t encounter any congestion at all over the 26.2 miles. The first 9km was entirely in Kew Gardens, it is a beautiful start to the race. Then before spending the majority of the time on the Thames towpath there was a nice section on pavements The course was changed, and apparently this is because part of the towpath is damaged. But, in my opinion this has resulted in an improved course.
The course is a mixture of pavement, gravel, trail and a little grass at the finish. All round it is a very flat course, with potential for a fast run. Only slight issue is some narrow sections with potential for hazards with other pedestrians in public areas. But mostly everyone got behind the event, shouting encouragement. Whilst there were some potential minor delays in sections it really is negligible.
There was plenty of water and electrolyte on the course, in cups. To be honest it was perfect conditions for a run, so everything felt amazing. I think if it had been a little hotter there would have been pressure on these water stations, but I’m sure the organisers would have responded.
I had a large group of runners with the majority of them running ahead, with just a few dropping back, but I saw them finish not long after. In the final few miles we met the back of the half marathon and I managed to encourage a few to pick up the pace and run with us.
I finished in4:29:50 according to my watch, although the official results say 4:29:37. The only way I can account for a 13 second difference is them starting my time at the scheduled start rather than my chip at the start. I will look to see if this is adjusted. It isn’t a big issue, just a little odd to see such a difference.
Either way, I am happy to have successfully finished another marathon on time. Lots of happy runners, a nice medal and long sleeve top at the finish.
How was your weekend?
pickupthepacepaul 