A flat, mixed-surface half marathon from Kew Gardens along the Thames to Old Deer Park. Expect changes between road, path, gravel and grass rather than uniform road underfoot.
01 Know what you are taking on
What is the race like?
Official maps & course details
Follow your 2027 runner email for number collection. Check the final station and access map before fixing your drink stops and supporter plans.
02 Choose your approach
Find your race strategy.
Choose your goal. These are our pacing suggestions, based on the published course, rather than organiser instructions.
My first finish
Check the garden gate deadline as well as the race start time.
Start at a comfortable effort and let the field spread before passing.
Keep a little in reserve for the last part, then arrange your reunion outside the finish flow.
A PB or time goal
Avoid turning a busy first kilometre into repeated accelerations.
Use a sustainable effort through corners and surface changes.
Build effort near the end only when your footing and the running line are clear.
03 Know what is on the course
Drinks, fuel & toilets.
- Water and electrolyte stations
- Water at miles 4.1, 8, 10 and 11.8; electrolyte drink at mile 10.
Toilet locations: a confirmed location list is not available here. Check the official course or runner map before race day; a drinks table does not automatically mean there is a toilet beside it.
Turn the station list into your plan
Mark the stops you expect to use and the fuel you will carry. If you use a gel that needs water, pair it with a published water point. Practise the products and cup or bottle format before race day; you do not have to try every item offered.
04 Before the start
Your race morning.
Times are local to the event. Work back from your own wave, allowing for the walk, toilets and bag drop.
The start
Start time
09:30.
Start & finish access
- Start and finish
- Start inside Kew Gardens; finish in Old Deer Park.
- Supporter garden admission
- Up to four spectators per runner; enter via Elizabeth Gate between 07:00 and 09:00. No free re-entry.
Your allocated wave, event emails and final runner instructions take priority. Read the guide for your distance before travelling.
05 Make the day work together
Supporters & getting around.
Plan your support
Choose between staying in Kew Gardens and making your way to the Old Deer Park finish. Leaving the Gardens ends the free visit, so plan the day before passing out through the gate.
The places below are viewing ideas from the linked route or spectator guide. Use your edition’s access map for barriers, permitted crossings and any crew restrictions.
The Orangery, Kew Gardens
Follow the runner and spectator gate instructions; admission times apply.
Old Deer Park
A practical finish-focused base outside Kew Gardens.
2027
Official spectator or route informationMake the cheer easy to find
Agree a named point, the side of the road and your likely arrival window. Share your bib number for official tracking. Pick a separate reunion beyond the finish exit and a backup if the phone signal is poor.
06 Before you book
Entry, fees & time limits.
Use the organiser’s entry page for the available places, current price and entry conditions.
Check official entry optionsStay in the loop
Email me event updates.
Spend more time training and less time checking. Get the key updates for your race, straight to your inbox.
07 Make your training relevant
Practise for this course.
One thing to rehearse
Practise in your intended shoes on a route that includes firm path and gravel. Rehearse taking your own fuel alongside the published drink stops.
08 Put your plan together
Useful before race day.
Plan your pre-run fuel
Explore meals and snacks around the time you have before running.
Explore the fuel plannerMake race fuel feel familiar
Understand how to practise taking carbohydrate during longer runs.
Read the guideUnderstand your everyday fuel
Learn how carbohydrate supports your running and recovery.
Read the guideA plan that fits your life.
Running, strength or both, with feedback and adjustments as your training develops.
Official race information
Use the organiser’s information for current entry terms, the published route and your final runner instructions. Course resources show their edition where it is known. Pacing and training suggestions are The Runner’s Journal’s guidance and should fit your experience, health and conditions.