More famous for its deer than its marathon, Richmond Park is a quiet idyll surrounded by the big city. Hard to believe it is on the outskirts of the capital, with its leafy paths and woody glades, this royal park is a picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of nearby city life.
Our marathon mogul Steve Rumsey chose this beautiful enclave to run his 50th marathon. Yes 50th!! That’s a total of 1310 miles, not to mention the thousands more in training.
2 laps of this picturesque course faced Steve as he lined up bright and early on the start at Sheen Gate. Footpaths, gravelly tracks and trails went underfoot as Steve wound his way around the Royal Park. Upto Richmond Gate and the glorious panoramic views of London and then onto the Tamsin Trail. Passing Gate after Gate, uphill, downhill and diving through the woods of Duchess, Spankers Hill and the mysterious sounding Dark! Finally he headed up the private road through the middle of the park which took him back to the iconic White House Lodge and back to the start to do it all again.
Steve flew through the first half of the race clocking a halfway time only 3 minutes off his half marathon pb! He continued on at a cracking pace in the second lap to cross the finish line in a fantastic 3.20.54. Not only that he came an amazing 24th overall and 9th V40.
Great running Steve – Here’s to the next 50!!
