If you prefer video to reading check out my race video here: https://youtu.be/a25-RtaHj_U
This race starts at exactly the same location as Kingston parkrun, and conveniently the parkun is 09:00 and the Marathon is 10:00 so if you’re feeling brave..........
Race bibs/numbers are collected on the day with free mini flapjack individually packaged so could be kept for the end if desired. The YMCA Hawker and the porta toilets outside made for ample facilities. There are changing rooms and showers too with a café inside should you want to fuel or drink coffee. Loads of parking and colour coded bag drop tents depending in whther you’re doing the half or full marathon.
The course is very scenic hugging the River Thames. It’s predominantly off road on the Thames tow path with a few muddy puddles to dodge but no sign of Peppa Pig. There are only two short sections where you’re on the road just to get to the next bit of tow path. On these road sections it’s not “closed road” and there was foot/vehicle traffic but marshals were on hand to help you negotiate the traffic. It’s an out and back for two miles, passing the start gantry again to go the other way. Then an out and back for 11 miles each way. You then pass the start gantry again and do that first 2 mile out and back again to finish. Mentally that was tough to see the finish line and have to pass it, but 26.2 is 26.2 so fair enough. The tow paths aren’t closed either and there were other runners/walkers/cyclists but no issues here there’s enough space to pass and everyone was courteous enough. Here’s my route GPX https://www.strava.com/activities/895838156 (ignore the slight deviation from route, my fault)
Aid stations were really good. The drinks were in plastic cups with squash, water or electrolyte drink available. There were also bananas still in skin, but cut into quarters, sweets, crisps available if you wanted. All the aid stations were manned by the very professional 1254 (Godalming) Squadron Air Cadets who did a fab job. I did spot one of them at the Kew Gardens aid station enjoying an ice cream and wasn’t sharing so he’s in my bad books lol. For me these aid stations were great practice at taking on food during a run towards ultra training, and this was ab ideal Comrades qualifier. It’s really flat so you can keep pretty even splits.
The course was light on marshals but as it’s following the river I can’t see the need for many, the route is marked with signs and yellow ribbon tied to trees.
HOW COULD THIS RACE IMPROVE?
Post out the race numbers in advance allowing runners to build up some hype on social media before the event. This especially helps people fundraising for charity & is good advertising pre event to encourage more entries for the race.