How can we maintain our fitness and wellbeing in another lockdown now gyms are closed?

The outdoors may become even more of a focal point despite the cold weather as we are able to meet one member of another household outside for exercise. The popularity of Richmond Park last weekend certainly suggests this.

Having something to aim and train for too – such as a race date – could act as extra motivation.

After implementing big changes to successfully hold socially distanced events in autumn, Richmond RUNFEST and RunThrough races are scheduled in South West London post December 2.

Here is a rundown of the upcoming events nearby and how the race organisers adapted for covid-safety.

Richmond RUNFEST

Richmond RUNFEST's marathon and AIR:10 runs are scheduled for March 27 and 28 – with both starting lines in Kew Gardens.

"It's not just running, it's mental and physical wellbeing," said race director Tom Bedford.

The organiser held its first socially distanced races in September in Kew Gardens.

"We consulted with the crowd science expert Marcel Altenburg who works with the Premier League," Mr Bedford explained. "He simulated the race using past runner results to determine pinch points."

The result was a new course with runners starting in groups of four, two metres apart, every three seconds – with no spectators allowed.

Mr Bedford said: "We made our start and finish lines as wide as possible and it got wider after the finish line to prevent bottle necks."

Sign up for the March races at www.richmondrunfest.co.uk/

RunThrough Events

Clapham Common will host 5km and 10km races on Saturday, December 5. Subsequent races – up to half marathon distances – are to follow in Crystal Palace, Wimbledon, Egham and Hampton Court.

RunThrough co-founder Matt Wood said: "We're adapting quickly to different situations – it's ever evolving."

RunThrough held its first event back in South West London on September 6 in Battersea Park after meticulous planning. "We got everyone's predicted times in advance of the race and ordered the runners at the start line by the times that they'd given us," Mr Wood said.

"We essentially ranked everybody to naturally increase distance between runners."

Runners began with timed gaps between groups to maintain distance.

John Gorst, 44, pictured at the top of this story, completed the race and said: "It was thoroughly enjoyable – everyone was respectful of distance.

"I think the staggered start really helped and was a simple instruction to follow. It worked out very well."

Dates for your running diary

December 5 – Clapham Common – 5km and 10km – SW4 9DE

December 13 – Crystal Palace – 5km, 10km and half marathon – SE19 2GA

December 20 – Wimbledon 'Christmas Run' – 5km and 10km – SW19 4UE

January 31 – Wimbledon Common – half marathon – SW15 3PQ

February 7 – Thorpe and Egham – 10km and half marathon – TW20 8NP

March 21 – Hampton Court Palace – half marathon – KT8 9AU

March 27 – Richmond – marathon – TW9 3AF

March 28 – Kew Gardens – AIR:10 – TW9 3AF

April 11 – Wimbledon Common – half marathon – SW15 3PQ