E: [email protected] | 0208 943 1837 

For immediate use: 3rd September 2015

For immediate use: 17th September 2014

Jo Pavey crowned Queen of Richmond

Fresh from winning her 10,000m title at the European Athletics Championships in Berlin this summer, Jo Pavey took the Richmond Running Festival by storm, finishing as first female athlete (32’47) in the Kew Gardens 10k – one of a number of events which made up the sporting extravaganza in the London Borough of Richmond this Sunday.

The Royal Botanic Gardens played host at the start of the day, as 4,000 runners, along with young wheelchair athletes, lined up in Kew’s spectacular setting to compete in an array of events including the “Visit Richmond Half Marathon” and the “Kew Gardens 10k”. David Weir CBE, six time gold Paralympic medallist and the Mayor of Richmond, Jane Boulton, took charge of starter’s orders.

The course route showed off Richmond as the most scenic of the London Boroughs, first circling inside Kew Gardens before taking in Richmond Green and then running along the river Thames to Teddington Lock with the sights of Marble Hill and Ham House on the way.

Jo Pavey was later crowned ‘Queen of Richmond’ on a throne in the middle of Old Deer Park, just behind the male winner, Will Brewin (32’31).  Jo, a former Teddington resident said:  “it’s always nice to be back in this area; it’s such a great place to train.  I really enjoyed the race, I love how varied the route was and the atmosphere was fantastic along the way.”

Victory in the men’s half marathon went to Italian, Alberto Mosca, from Bialli, near Turin in a time of 1 hour 10 minutes.  Mosca heard about the event and decided to combine the race with a first-time visit to London. “It was not easy for me to get a PB, but this was such a beautiful race, I didn’t mind.”

Hayley Manning, winner of the inaugural event last year, returned to compete in the ‘Visit Richmond Half Marathon, successfully retaining her title in a time of 1 hour and 28 minutes.

Old Deer Park was the venue for post-race festivities which included bands, DJs and local partner charity activities.  600 local children between the ages of 4 and 15 took part in Nike Kids’ Mile races.

The Richmond Running Festival was established last year giving the Borough a London Olympic legacy sporting event.  Paul Buckley, Operations Director at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, shared Race Director, Tom Bedford’s vision for the Richmond Running Festival and it is thanks to Kew Gardens’ support that the event has captured the spirit of the Olympics and already grown in stature.  Paul Buckley said “it feels very special to be hosting the start of the Richmond Running Festival.  We are delighted to be support a community event that promotes active lifestyles for all ages.”

Notes

All charities receive 10% of race entry fees (plus Gift Aid and additional contributions)

Richmond Upon Thames Borough official charities are ,’The Poppy Factory’ and the ‘Mo Farah Foundation’

Other charity partners are ‘Mind’ and ‘Macmillan Cancer Support

Results

Click on the link below for full Kew Gardens 10k results and Visit Richmond Half Marathon:

http://racetimingsolutions.racetecresults.com/Results.aspx?CId=16269&RId=308

Contact

Tom Bedford, Tel. 07736 281926

Email: [email protected]

Website: richmondrunningfestival.com

App: Run Richmond

Follow us on Twitter: @RichmondRunFest

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For immediate use: 17th September 2014

European champion, Pavey set to highlight Richmond Running Festival

European 10,000m champion, Jo Pavey will be the star attraction at Sunday’s Richmond Running Festival as she tackles the Kew Gardens 10k in her quest for the Queen of Richmond title.

Celebrating her 41^st birthday the day before, the mother of two from Exeter comes into the event full of confidence following her European victory in Zurich in August and her recent third place finish over 5,000m at the IAAF Continental Cup in Marrakech last weekend.

The European team captain in Morocco, Pavey’s stellar 2014 campaign also includes a 5,000m bronze medal from July’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow so she will be keen continue her fine form in Richmond.

Her nearest challenger is likely to be St Mary’s University graduate, Beth Potter.

The 22-year-old Scot has enjoyed a breakthrough year, which was capped with a fine fifth place finish in the Commonwealth Games 10,000m final. Unlike Pavey, Potter has not raced since the European Championships – where she placed 14^th over 10,000m – so her fresh legs could help her to spring a surprise.

Meanwhile in the men’s 10k race, London 2012 Olympian, Chris Thompson aka King Thommo returns to defend his crown.

International distance runners, Chris Grice, Ross Murray and Charlotte Purdue, will be on hand to support the Nike Kid’s Mile later on in the afternoon.

The Nike Kids’ Mile races will invite school children between the ages of 4 and 15 to take part in the races free of charge. Every child will receive a medal, a Nike t-shirt and a special autograph signed by an Olympian.

Sunday’s festivities will be officially started by six-time Paralympic champion, David Weir CBE and Commonwealth Games marathon champion, Michael Shelley of Australia.

Based at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the Richmond Running Festival hopes to additionally inspire the next generation of junior wheelchair athletes with the NIKE Kids’ Junior Wheelchair races for 11-17 year-olds.

Part of Richmond’s London 2012 Olympic legacy programme, the races will be supported by Weir and coach, Jenny Archer’s charity – the Weir and Archer Academy.

Britain’s London 2012 Paralympic hero, Weir said:

“I am delighted to be able to start this fantastic junior wheelchair event.

“After training so many miles in nearby Richmond Park, I am pleased that London 2012 has inspired Kew Gardens to host Paralympic champions of the future.

“I am happy to see that the Borough of Richmond is building on the legacy of London 2012 in this way, and I am especially pleased that the Festival and Nike are allowing children to compete for free.

“It will give them a great opportunity to experience the joy and sense of achievement you get when you cross that finish line in a world heritage site.”

The Festival at Old Deer Park will also be a fun family day out with local bands and DJ’s providing the music, while the gathering of London 2012 Olympians will be on hand to help make it a true celebration of running and fitness.

The Festival’s Race Director Tom Bedford said:

“Last year, we started something very special that has enabled us to expand and target more of our Olympic Legacy aims.

Paul Buckley, Head of Visitor Services at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew said:

“We are delighted to be hosting the start of the Richmond Running Festival and support a local event that promotes active lifestyles for all abilities.

“Running in the Gardens is a rare privilege, and we are very excited about being part of this community event supporting Richmond’s London 2012 Legacy programme.”

Members of the media are invited to cover the Festival at Kew Gardens where there will be opportunities for written and broadcast interviews, and to film the event.

What: Richmond Running Festival start.

Where: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB

When: 8am, Sunday 21st September 2014

Contact: Tom Bedford, Tel. 07736 281926. Email: [email protected]

- ends -

For more details of the event or the festival contact:

Tom Bedford, Race Director, Richmond Running Festival:

Tel. 020 8943 1837, 07736 281926
Email: [email protected]

Notes

The 2014 Richmond Fitness Expo and Music Festival will be held in Old Deer Park on Sunday 21st September and is free to the public.

For more information and details of how to enter the races, visit: www.richmondrunningfestival.com/

Follow us on Twitter: @RichmondRunFest

10% of all race entry fees for the Richmond Running Festival will go directly to the Festival’s two official charities:

The Mo Farah Foundation (www.mofarahfoundation.org.uk) and

The Poppy Factory (www.poppyfactory.org).

For immediate use: 30th June 2014

David Weir challenges Mo Farah at Kew Gardens Junior Wheelchair launch

Six-time Olympic champion David Weir CBE launched a new junior wheelchair event at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, as part of the Richmond Running Festival on Sunday 21st September.

Weir, who trains in nearby Richmond Park, also took the opportunity to challenge Mo Farah (who launched the Richmond Running Festival in Kew Gardens last year) to a 400m race. “I’d love to take the challenge with Mo and try and beat him over a 400m. I think it would be a very close race as Mo is a phenomenal athlete who gave me inspiration at London 2012”.

“It would be good for both our charities, we could get some sponsors involved with money going towards the Weir Archer Academy and Mo Farah Foundation.” David has a personal best of 46 seconds whilst Mo is famous for finishing 5,000 metres with a final lap of 50seconds.

Just 1 month before he heads to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games to compete in the 1500 metres, Weir revealed the course and offered advice to local junior wheelchair athlete Anna Staplehurst (16) who recently won the Richmond Borough District Sports Day.

The junior wheelchair race is part of the Richmond’s ‘London 2012 Olympic legacy programme’ and is supported by David Weir and his coach Jenny Archer’s charity – Weir Archer Academy. Young wheelchair athletes between the ages of 11 and 17 will be invited to compete in Kew Gardens before 6,000 adults compete in the Kew Gardens 10k and Visit Richmond half marathon races.

“I am delighted to be able to launch this fantastic junior wheelchair event” said the Paralympic hero. “After training so many miles in nearby Richmond Park I am pleased that London 2012 has inspired Kew Gardens to host Paralympic champions of the future”.

“I am happy to see that Borough of Richmond is building on the legacy of London 2012 in this way. I am especially pleased that the Richmond Running Festival Festival and Nike are allowing children to compete for free. This will give them a great opportunity to experience the joy and sense of achievement you get when you cross that finish line in a world heritage site.”

The event has been added to the Nike Kids’ Mile races put on by the Richmond Running Festival that will invite over 1000 school children between the ages of 4 and 15 to take part in afternoon races free of charge. Every child will receive a medal, a Nike t-shirt and a special autograph signed by an Olympian.

The Festival at Old Deer Park will also be a fun family day out with local bands and DJs providing the music, while London 2012 Olympians will be on hand to help make it a true celebration of sport and fitness.

The Festival’s Race Director Tom Bedford said, “Last year we started something very special that has enabled us to expand and target more of our Olympic Legacy aims.” “I would love to claim the idea for myself but the junior wheelchair event came from Kew Garden’s and has been delivered by the help of Nike. I thank them both for their support”.

“It is a privilege to have a London 2012 icon here to launch this event and hope that in the future we can add a senior event so the Weirwolf can get the chance to race in Kew Garden’s himself”.

Commenting on a potential Weir v Farah 400m race, “I would love to see that. Their PB’s must be within half  a second of each other. Mo would get a great start but once the Weirwolf gets rolling who knows what would happen in the final 50metres!” “If I had to choose I would go with David by a wolf whisker.”

Paul Buckley Head of Visitor Services at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew said, “We are delighted to be hosting the start of the Richmond Running Festival and support a local event that promotes active lifestyles for all abilities. Sport in the Gardens is a rare privilege, and we are very excited about being part of this community event supporting Richmond’s 2012 Legacy programme.”  

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For more details of the launch event or the festival contact:

Tom Bedford, Race Director, Richmond Running Festival:

Tel. 020 8943 1837 or 07736 281926
Email: [email protected]

Notes

The 2014 Richmond Fitness Expo and Music Festival will be held in Old Deer Park on Sunday 21st September and is free to the public.

For more information and details of how to enter the races go to: www.richmondrunningfestival.com/

Follow us on Twitter: @RichmondRunFest

10% of all race entry fees for the Richmond Running Festival will go directly to the Festival’s two official charities:

The Mo Farah Foundation (www.mofarahfoundation.org.uk) and
The Poppy Factory (www.poppyfactory.org).

For immediate use: 23rd April 2014

SIGN UP NOW TO RUN FOR THE POPPY FACTORY 

Richmond Running Festival – Saturday 21 September 

The Poppy Factory, together with the Mo Farah Foundation, are the recipients of funds raised at this year’s Richmond Running Festival, which takes place on Saturday 21 September 2014, commencing at Richmond’s World Heritage Site of Kew Gardens, through scenic Richmond and finishing in Richmond Old Deer Park. This year’s Festival features the Visit Richmond Half Marathon, Kew Gardens 10K run and the NIKE Kids’ Mile, with a fantastic Richmond Fitness Expo & Music Festival post-run celebration in Old Deer Park. 

Sign up now to support the charities at www.richmondrunningfestival.com/online-entry, as 10% of the registration fee is being split between the The Poppy Factory and the Mo Farah Foundation. There are limited entries available for each of these great events, so don’t lose out on your place.   

The Poppy Factory is also seeking runners, who would be interested in raising further funds by seeking sponsorship for the half marathon or 10K run. The Poppy Factory works to help wounded, injured and sick ex-Service men and women get their lives back on track by finding mainstream civilian job opportunities to match their skills and requirements. To this end, each client is provided with an Employability Consultant, who assists with mentoring, coaching and advice, as well as seeking suitable employers with relevant job opportunities to help these deserving men and women find meaningful and sustainable employment. 

Head of Fundraising at The Poppy Factory, Liz George said, “We couldn’t be in better company than with race organiser Tom Bedford, Olympic hero Mo Farah’s Foundation and the Richmond’s magnificent Kew Gardens. We hope that many people sign up to help us raise funds to help those who have served in the Armed Forces and sacrificed more than most. They deserve our respect and some need a bit more assistance when an injury or sickness devastates their lives.” 

Runners interested in raising funds for The Poppy Factory should contact Clementine Westlake on 020 8939 1829 or email [email protected] 

www.poppyfactory.org

The Poppy Factory, 20 Petersham Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6UR 

T: 020 8940 3305 F: 020 8332 1205 W: poppyfactory.org 

The Royal British Legion Poppy Factory Ltd 

Registered under The Charities Act 1960 No 225348 

Company registered in England No 204405 

PRESS ENQUIRIES: 

Gail McGuffie PR 

Telephone: 07885 10 33 53 

Email: [email protected] 

For immediate use: 5th December 2013

Richmond Running Festival raises over £10,000 for local charities

We are pleased to announce that the inaugural Richmond Running Festival raised over £10,000 for our two official charities - Mo Farah Foundation and Shooting Star Chase. Both charities would like to say thank you for your donations and have told us that the money raised is going back into projects in the Borough of Richmond:

Shooting Star Chase are using the money raised to fund an Art Therapy Project in the borough. This will help their Play Therapists to develop their work with the children they care for and also with their siblings, including post-bereavement support.

Mo Farah Foundation are using the money raised from the event to fund their brand new 'Mo Farah Academy'. Money raised will provide financial, practical and technical support to the successful applicants of the Mo Farah Academy along with key guidance and access to world level coaching and fitness facilities.

For immediate use: 22nd September 2013

Press release

Kings and Queens crowned at the Richmond Running Festival

London 2012 Olympian, Chris Thompson was crowned the first King of the Richmond Running Festival after his impressive victory over British international athlete Andy Vernon in the inaugural Kew Gardens 10K.

Over 2000 runners were set off by Zac Goldsmith MP and Richmond Mayor Meena Bond from the beautiful Kew Gardens bright and early on Sunday to fight for the title of King and Queen of Richmond. Amongst them included Olympic Silver medallist Sonia O’Sullivan and Olympian Steph Twell who ran  for two local charities Shooting Star Chase and Mo Farah Foundation respectively.

King Chris Thompson said, “That race was a pleasure to run due to the beauty of Kew Gardens, the River Thames and Richmond Green. Apparently it’s been over a decade since people have been able to run through Kew Gardens so I am so pleased this 2012 legacy event has allowed me to see such a beautiful surroundings. When I come back next year to defend my crown I must bring my camera!”

The first ever Queen of Richmond went to GB international cross country runner Emma Pallant who completed the Kew Gardens 10K in an impressive time of 35mins 44secs that placed her 5^th overall.

The Olympians kept on coming in the Visit Richmond Half Marathon as London 2012 marathon runner Scott Overall used the scenic race as his final preparation for this weekends Berlin Marathon. However, a close race was won by Nathan White who saw off two local elite athletes Mike Skinner and Phill Sly. Hayley Manning won the women’s Visit Richmond Half Marathon by over 3mins to be crowned the Queen of Richmond for 1 whole year!

The day was not over for the volunteer staff as 700 kids from reception to 15 years old, competed in the NIKE Kids’ Mile and received autographs from the many local Olympians who stayed behind to support and offer advice. Every little runner athlete received a NIKE tee, a medal and information on how they can get into their local running club.

All adult athletes celebrated their race with a London Pride and listened to music organised by the Crawdaddy Club Richmond. Lots of local businesses and restaurants were to be found at the festival in a day that celebrated the best of Richmond Borough.

Race Director Tom Bedford said “Today was a huge success and everything I had hoped for. I wanted to create an event inspired by London 2012 that showed off Richmond’s beauty, businesses and talented musicians. I can honestly say this is the most beautiful running event in London and I can only thank Kew Gardens the many staff at Richmond Council for making this happen. They share my vision of health and fitness but also community spirit. The highlight for me was the reception children who ran in in the NIKE Kids’ mile. NIKE supported this event and allowed it to be free for local school children. Hopefully this event will inspire many children to join their local running club and take up running as a sport. Who knows, maybe we can help inspired the next Mo Farah!”

RESULTS

Full Kew Gardens 10K Results
Full Visit Richmond Half Marathon Results

What: Richmond Running Festival race to start in Kew Gardens and finish in Old Deer Park, Richmond.

Where: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB

When: Sunday 22nd September 2013.

10% of all race entry fees for the Richmond Running Festival (plus additional contributions and Gift Aid) will go directly to the Festival’s two official charities: The Mo Farah Foundation (www.mofarahfoundation.org.uk) and Shooting Star Chase (www.shootingstarchase.org.uk).

Follow us on Twitter: @RichmondRunFest

Contact: Tom Bedford, Tel. 07736 281926

Email: [email protected]

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Richmond Running Festival, 22nd September, Kew Gardens

Press Release

For immediate use: 12th September 2013

Olympians sign up for Richmond Running Festival

Organisers today announced that four Olympians will lead the 3000 entries at the inaugural Richmond Running Festival on September 22^nd.

Athletes from Britain, Kenya and Australia have used Richmond as a training base for many years, and now club runners and joggers will have their own chance to rub shoulders with these international athletes.   The Richmond Running Festival is staging this inaugural running bonanza on September 22^nd - with a 10K, half marathon and series of children’s races aimed at encouraging all the family to come and have fun.

Firing the starting gun in the world-famous Kew Gardens will be the Irish international, Sonia O’Sullivan, Irish 5,000m Silver Medallist at the 2000 Olympic Games, alongside Steph Twell who represented Great Britain in the 2008 Olympics and Richmond MP Zac Goldsmith. Sonia and Steph will then run the 10k, supporting two local charities – the Mo Farah Foundation and Shooting Star Chase.

The male elite category will be led by London 2012 Olympians Scott Overall (marathon runner) and Chris Thompson, (10,000m).  Scott will compete in the Visit Richmond Half Marathon, and Chris in the Kew Gardens 10km. Scott is using the half marathon as a final tune-up run for the Berlin Marathon a week later (29th September).

Chris Thompson, the European silver medallist in 2010, who trains frequently in Richmond is looking forward to the race:

“It’s great to have this new event on my doorstep, I train in Richmond during the summer season but I have never run in Kew Gardens before! I am just coming off a season break but I’ll certainly be doing my best to sit on the winner’s throne”.

Chris won’t have things all his own way though as another world-class local athlete Mike Skinner, who has countless GB vests from World Cross Country and European Championships, will be determined to make a race of it.

The label of women’s race favourite rests with former World Junior 1500m medallist and the 2011 European under-23 cross country champion Emma Pallant.

There is still a chance to join these champions on the day by entering the Visit Richmond Half Marathon or the Kew Gardens 10K. The race covers 2.5miles inside Kew Gardens before winding along the River Thames into beautiful Richmond. The event finishes in Old Deer Park where runners can enjoy a free beer in front of seven local bands (11am – 5pm).

Following these races NIKE will run a series of “Kid’s Races” – and the Olympians will be there to offer support and tips to the 700 children invited from local schools with the aim of introducing them to local running clubs in the area.

Friends and supporters get free entry into the historic Kew Gardens on race morning and families will be entertained by a mobile mini-farm and local businesses cooking up great food!

For more information please visit www.richmondrunningfestival.com

What: Richmond Running Festival race to start in Kew Gardens.

Where: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB

When: Sunday 22^nd September 2013.

10% of all race entry fees for the Richmond Running Festival (plus additional contributions and Gift Aid) will go directly to the Festival’s two official charities: The Mo Farah Foundation (www.mofarahfoundation.org.uk) and
Shooting Star Chase (www.shootingstarchase.org.uk).

Follow us on Twitter: @RichmondRunFest

Contact: Tom Bedford, Tel. 07736 281926;
Email: [email protected]

For immediate use: 28th July 2013

Mo Farah reveals the Richmond Running Festival course

The morning after winning at the Olympic Games stadium, Double Olympic champion Mo Farah today made a final stop at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, before heading to his St Moritz altitude training camp. Farah provided sprinting tips to local school children, as he revealed the course for the inaugural Richmond Running Festival. It was revealed that the runners will start in Kew Gardens before meandering down the Thames Path towards Richmond before finishing in the community festival set up in Old Deer Park.

Just two weeks before he heads to Moscow for the IAAF World Championships, Farah coached a group of 20 school children through a warm-up routine at Kew Gardens before giving them running technique advice and secret tips on how to win gold!

Farah, a former resident of the West London Borough who trained for years in Richmond Park, today formally announced the details of the various races and courses for the first ever Richmond Running Festival, due to finish in Old Deer Park on 22 September this year.

The Festival is part of Richmond’s London 2012 Olympic legacy programme. It will include half marathon and 10km races for adults, with strong elite fields in each, plus a number of free-to-enter events for children of all ages from Year 1 primary to secondary school teenagers.

Sitting on the event winners thrown, Mo said “I am delighted to reveal that the Richmond Running Festival will start in Kew Gardens.”

“I have run round all the beautiful parks in London but never Kew Gardens. I am going to have to look at my diary and see if I can complete the list and become King of Richmond!”

“I am happy to see that Richmond and Kew are building on the legacy of London 2012 in this way. I’m especially pleased that the Festival and Nike are encouraging local kids to get involved in running for free. It will give them a great opportunity to experience the joy and sense of achievement you get when you cross that finish line.”

Adults are invited to enter the Visit Richmond half marathon and Kew Gardens 10km races, while some 700 school children between the ages of 4 and 15 are expected to take part in afternoon races free of charge. Every child will receive a medal, a Nike t-shirt and a special autograph card signed by an Olympian. The Festival at Old Deer Park will also be a fun family day out with local bands and DJs providing the music, while London Olympians will be on hand to help make it a true celebration of running and fitness.

The Festival’s Race Director Tom Bedford said, “After many years working on events around the world, I have come to the conclusion that running events need a local touch and identity. The Borough of Richmond upon Thames is a gem in London’s crown and our race route shows it off in all its splendour.”

“Richmond also has an impressive connection to running history. The London Marathon was conceived over a beer in this borough; the first parkrun was held in Teddington and parkruns are now taking over the world; and Mo Farah trained in Richmond and Bushy Park along with numerous international distance running stars from across the world.”

“Like many, we were inspired by the London Olympics, and believe the summer of 2012 can live on in spirit through the Richmond Running Festival. I am ecstatic that the race will start in the most beautiful garden in Europe. How many races start in a world heritage site? Last year, Kew Gardens invited the Olympic tourch through its gates and I hope that their Olympic memories can be relived on the 22^nd September.”

“Our team are especially excited about the Nike Kids’ Mile at the festival after the adults have had their fun. 700 local kids’ will hopefully have the one of the greatest sporting experiences of their life and thanks to our sponsor Nike this experience will cost them nothing.

Paul Buckley Head of Visitor Services at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew said, “We are delighted to be hosting the start of the Richmond Running Festival and support a local event that promotes active lifestyles. Running in the Gardens is a rare privilege, and we are very excited about being part of this community event supporting Richmond’s London 2012 Legacy.

Notes

The 2013 Richmond Running Festival will be held in Old Deer Park on Sunday 22 September.

For more information and details of how to enter the races go to: www.richmondrunningfestival.com/

What: Richmond Running Festival race to start in Kew Gardens.

Where: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB

When: Sunday 22^nd September 2013.

10% of all race entry fees for the Richmond Running Festival (plus additional contributions and Gift Aid) will go directly to the Festival’s two official charities: The Mo Farah Foundation (www.mofarahfoundation.org.uk) and
Shooting Star Chase (www.shootingstarchase.org.uk).

Follow us on Twitter: @RichmondRunFest

Contact: Tom Bedford, Tel. 07736 281926;
Email: [email protected]