If you caught the running bug at last Sunday's Virtual London Marathon, or fancy emulating friends and family who took part, here is your chance.

Richmond RUNFEST has announced multiple new events to be held across two weekends next year.

It follows the success of its Kew Gardens 10k, which saw 3,500 runners setting off in groups of four in what was the UK's largest social distancing running event.

Race director Tom Bedford said he hoped it would blaze a trial for more running events to return swiftly and safely – and his team will be well placed to ensure their 2021 calendar of events runs equally smoothly.

Entries are now open for 'London's flattest' marathon (see map above) in March followed by the new 'AIR 10K'.

Mr Bedford said: "AIR stands for 'Audio Inspired Running' and runners will be able to listen to an audio tour of Kew Gardens as they run whilst listening to their own music at the same time."

Events calendar: Spring 2021

Saturday, March 27: Richmond Marathon

Autumn

Children With Cancer UK KIDS' Mile

Sunday, September 19: Richmond Half Marathon and Family Funrun

Mr Bedford said: "Our Richmond Marathon was sadly postponed in 2020 but will be back with many social distancing measures and will be the only mass spring marathon in London, as the London Marathon moves to an autumn date.

He added: "I'm really excited about the AIR:RUN finally happening as the event was postponed twice due to Covid-19, but with our successful socially distanced 10ks inside Kew Gardens, we have a venue that will make it third time lucky!

"We also look forward to welcoming runners back to our normal Richmond RUNFEST event in September.

"This will include a 5K, 10K, half marathon and kids' races, accompanied by our music after-party in Old Deer Park (Covid-19 permitting).

"2020 was a tough year for many of our events but we were able to put on two socially distanced 10ks that are about to raise £200,000 for charity.

"We would like to say a big thank you to our runners and volunteers who have supported us through this year, and we look forward to a more positive 2021!"

How to register

Entries for the spring Richmond Marathon and AIR:10K are now open with a refund policy to protect runners in case 2021 is not what organisers hope it will be.

To register for the 2021 events click here.

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