After last year’s Richmond RUNFEST, race director, Tom Bedford, told his staff: “Next year’s event will not see any changes for the first time in 7 years!”.

But Mr Bedford could not predict how COVID-19 would alter the race’s course.

Although many athletic events had to be postponed - including the Richmond Half and Full Marathon - his team have pushed on to hold a safe, socially distanced 10K inside the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew.

The event will take place on the weekend of 12-13 Sept, with just the runners at the venue.

Last year, Richmond RUNFEST raised over £730,000 for Charity during last year’s event and over seven years they have raised £3 million in total for Charity.

“We are very fortunate that our venue, Kew Gardens, is one of the most secluded, beautiful and secure venues in London. Therefore, we had an opportunity to only invite runners inside which is something that events like the London Marathon would find it difficult to do,” said Bedford.

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Scenery at Kew Gardens

The organisers have consulted with health and safety professionals and crowd flow analysts, to ensure the venue and course could cope with runners in a socially distanced format.

Some Running and Triathlon events have been back since the 1st August, however many have been cancelled which has had a big impact on the industry and the many charities that raise money through them.

“Covid-19 is not behind us yet, but if we can put on safe running events that positively impact the health and fitness, mental well-being for many runners and also support many charities then it’s our duty to get back running.

“All staff and volunteers will wear protective safety gear and our event naturally lends itself to responsible track and tracing. It is not how we normally put on events but it’s a safe start!"

Limited entries are still available please go to www.richmondrunfest.co.uk or find the event on findarace.com.