Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions that you may have. If you have any questions that are not below please contact us and we will get back to you.

Q. When does my race start?

Saturday 16th September

Kew Gardens 10k: 8.30am

NIKE Kids' Mile: From 1.30pm - 4.30pm

Sunday 17th September

Richmond Marathon 8am

Richmond Half Marathon 8.55am

NIKE Family mile: 2pm

Q. How much does it cost to enter?

Richmond Marathon: affiliated price £43.50, non affiliated price £45.50

Richmond Half Marathon: affiliated price £35, non affilliated price £37

Kew Gardens 10k: affiliated price £37.50 , non affilliated price £39.50

Q. Can supporters and family see me in Kew Gardens for free?

Yes, Kew Gardens have kindly waivered any entrance fee in the morning, no tickets needed so runners can get the send off and finish they deserve. Cafes will be open for hot and cold beverages.

PLEASE NOTE: Friends and family need to be inside Kew Gardens before 8.40am otherwise they will have to pay the normal entry fee when the gates reopen to the general public.

Q. Do I have to run for charity?

As long as we still have public entries in the races you don't have to run for a charity. You can simply sign up and run for fun, however many runners choose to fundraise and be associated to a charity who supports you at every step. Once public entries sell out the only way you can get a place is to run for one of our charity partners.

Q. Can I choose the charity I run for?

If you already have your race place it is your decision if you want to fundraise. There are so many wonderful causes that need your help.

Q. Where will my race start?

The Richmond Marathon, Richmond Half Marathon and Kew Gardens 10k all start on the Broadwalk in Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The only gate open to runners and spectators is Victoria Gate (the closest from Kew gardens tube).

The NIKE Kids’ Mile starts in the afternoon at the finish festival in Old Deer Park (next to Pools on the Park Leisure Centre, TW9 2SF).

Q. Where does my race finish?

The Kew Gardens 10k on the Saturday finishes inside Kew Gardens.

The Richmond Marathon, Richmond Half Marathon and NIKE KIDS' Mile races finish in a music festival a mile down the road in Old Deer Park (opposite the A316), Twickenham Road, TW9 2SF.

Q. Can I see a course map?

Click here to see our 2017 course maps.

Q. Is the course measure and can it be used for London Marathon Good for age?

All courses have been measured by Olympic Games measurer Hugh Jones on behalf Association of UK Course Measurers

The multi-terrain means that it is not valid for British or World records but the time can be used for London Marathon 'good for age' entry requirements. The reference number of our measured course is 12/0108.

Our event is ran under RUNBRITAIN rules and our event licence is 2016-26939.

Q. Can I get a refund or defer my place to the following year?

Unfortunately we cannot offer any refunds or transfer places to next year. There are a large number of costs involved in staging an event of this scale, such as paying for staffing, infrastructure, road closures and medical cover, all of which aren’t recoverable. After 14 days of purchasing your entry you are unable to get a refund. We do not allow race transfers or deferrals. We have a strict policy for this and apologise if this means you can no longer run.

Q. Can I change races?

Due to size restrictions we can not transfer participants between races any of our races. A major reason for this is the amount of medals we order for the specific distances and do not want to run out!

Q. Can I enter the race and still raise money for a charity that is not an official charity?

Yes, it is our pledge to donate 10% of all race entries to local charities, however you can run for any cause of your choice. Once you have your place you can contact that charity direct.

Q. Do I have to fundraise or can I just run for fun?

Yes. If you enter through a Public Entry place you do not have to fundraise, however many runners do and enjoy this experience.

Q. When will numbers be sent out?

UK Residents:

Race numbers, chips and final instructions will be sent out by 2nd class post 2 weeks before your race. You should receive your race pack a week before (commencing 12th September). We are using volunteer staff so please be patient. If you have not received your number by Friday 16th September please contact us on [email protected] and we will arrange a spare pack for you to collect on the morning at the information tent in Kew Gardens.

Non-UK Residents:

Non-UK residents will receive an email before the race with final instructions and a map with directions to the start in Kew Gardens. This email will advise you to collect your race pack on the morning of the race at the 'INTERNATIONAL' packet pick up in Kew Gardens.

Q. What if I change my address?

If you need your race pack delivered to an alternative address to the one you registered with, you have until 25th August to let us know. Email [email protected] with your full name and new address. Once updated you will receive a confirmation email.

Q. What If I miss the Change of Address Deadline?

If you do not notify us before 25th August we can not stop your race pack being delivered to the address you provided when you registered. This means you will have to collect a spare pack on the day and occur a £5 charge.

Q. Where can I leave my bags/ clothes?

Our friendly baggage team will be waiting for you opposite Palm House to collect your baggage. Once the race has begun they will transport your belongings safely to the finish in Old Deer Park where you can collect them after your run. Please provide your own bags.

Q. Are there drink stations?

Kew Gardens 10k: 1 drinks station (3 miles) and at the finish

Richmond Half Marathon: 4 drink stations (2.5 miles, 7.5 miles, 9 miles, 11 miles and at the finish)

Richmond Marathon: (2.5miles, 7.5miles, 9miles, 11 miles, 14 miles, 17 miles, 20 miles, 23 miles and at the finish)

Q. Is the race chip timed?

We are using the same timing system (ipico) as the Virgin Money London Marathon uses so your results are in reliable hands. We hope to get the results out as soon as possible.

Q. Where do I place my chip?

You need to place your chip on your shoe using the tags provided. For more info on this please click here.

Q. What happens if I receive my number but cannot run on race day?

You must return your timing chip to avoid a £5 fine. Please send your chips back to RUNFEST Ltd., 2 Carlisle Court, Blagrove Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 0EE.

Q. Can I give my number to a friend to run?

Sorry, this goes against our health and safety regulations and breaks our public liability insurance. We are responsible for our registered runners only and require emergency information incase something happens.

Q. Is there a time limit?

We have a restricted time limit for the first 2 miles. You are requested to be able to run this in 30mins. This includes any entrants starting late so please do not be upset if we do not allow you to start if you turn up late.

The full Marathon has a further time restriction of 5 hours due to a time limit at Hampton Court Palace. We apologise for this inconvenience, this is the Palace’s rule that we must abide by.

Q. Can my dog/pram run with me?

Sadly no, this is due to the restricted size of paths.

Q. Is this race on closed roads?

The new Kew Gardens 10k is a fully road closed race running round the beautiful Kew Gardens.

Outside of Kew Gardens all paths and roads are open to the general public. Runners do not have right of way and should not expect priority treatment. Where runners meet roads we use license traffic marshals to take care of runners safety.

Q. Can I run with headphones?

Bone conduction headphones are the only earphones that are approved for use in road races under the UKA rules of competition.

The UKA rules of competition are clear that “in ear” headphones cannot be used in events where roads are open to traffic and UKA have confirmed that bone conducting headphones being “open ear” are approved for use by runners in all races as they do not sit in the ear.

For more information please see Runbritain website here.

Q. What is the terrain like?

Mixed surfaces: road, towpath and grass. Please run with caution on the towpath as the underfoot is uneven. We will put caution signs out in particularly bad areas but please aware generally. This race is not a road race and runners are to expect uneven paths.

If there is rain before the event please expect puddles and mud especially along the towpath.