Thames Meander Autumn
From HermesRunning
- Date Sun 4th October 2026
- Time 08:30
- Location Richmond, Greater London
- Price £37.36 - £58.59
- Races 3 races
- Distances 10km, Half Marathon, Marathon
Top rated
This is a popular event
Popular
Booked 7 times recently
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating day of running at the Thames Meander Autumn, proudly organized by HermesRunning! This fantastic riverside race will take place on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in the picturesque setting of Richmond, Greater London. Runners can choose from three exciting race distances: a 10km, a Half Marathon (13.1 miles), and a full Marathon (26.2 miles), all of which follow scenic out-and-back routes along the stunning Thames Path.
Starting from the Petersham & Ham Sea Cadets HQ, athletes will enjoy a flat and fast course, making it perfect for both seasoned runners and newcomers alike. The route is well-marked and marshalled, with ample checkpoints stocked with high-energy foods and drinks to keep you fueled and hydrated. With excellent medical support provided by KLP Medics at key locations, participants can focus on achieving their personal best in this breathtaking environment. Don’t miss the chance to be part of one of the top-rated marathons in the UK—join us for a memorable running experience at the Thames Meander Autumn!
Starting from the Petersham & Ham Sea Cadets HQ, athletes will enjoy a flat and fast course, making it perfect for both seasoned runners and newcomers alike. The route is well-marked and marshalled, with ample checkpoints stocked with high-energy foods and drinks to keep you fueled and hydrated. With excellent medical support provided by KLP Medics at key locations, participants can focus on achieving their personal best in this breathtaking environment. Don’t miss the chance to be part of one of the top-rated marathons in the UK—join us for a memorable running experience at the Thames Meander Autumn!
Thames Meander Autumn
Sun 4th October 2026
Organiser's Description
A stunningly scenic riverside race series starting from the Petersham & Ham Sea Scouts HQ, Douglas House Meadow, Richmond, TW10 7AH and heading out to Barnes on the Thames Path towpath (opposite Barnes Sports Club) then returning on this out / back route to finish back at the Petersham & Ham Sea Scouts. All three race distances are very fast, flat on a runnable route proceeding all along the Thames Path, and the course is very well marked and marshalled all the way along. The Check Points are well stocked and there is excellent medical support throughout from our KLP Medics that are stationed at the Start / Finish (Check Point 1) and at Kew Gardens Car Park (Ferry Lane) Check Point 2.
Thames Meander Route Descriptions
Thames Meander Routes: These three run routes will all start at the Petersham & Ham Sea Cadets HQ venue and will run alongside the Thames Path on stunning out / back routes.
10km Route: This will be a x1 lap out / back loop for the 10km distance, starting at the Petersham & Ham Sea Cadets HQ and heading out along the Thames Path to Kew Gardens Car Park Check Point 2 the turnaround point and back.
Half Marathon Route: This will be a x1 13.1 mile out and back loop for the half marathon, starting at the Petersham & Ham Sea Cadets HQ heading out along the Thames Path to opposite the Barnes Sports Club Check Point 3 the turnaround point and back.
Marathon Route: This will be x2 13.1 mile out and back loops for the marathon, starting at the Petersham & Ham Sea Cadets HQ heading out along the Thames Path to opposite the Barnes Sports Club Check Point 3 the turnaround point and back.
This is a trail run so please understand that all three routes are as accurate as they can possibly be on this Thames Path trail, given that there are members of the public including some cyclists using this trail. The turnaround points at Kew Gardens CP2 (10km only) and at Barnes (opposite the Barnes Sports Club) for the half and marathon, will be very well marshalled. The three Check Points will also be well stocked with a selection of high energy foods, gels, drinks and electrolyte powders so you can keep well hydrated, and maintain your refuelling needs throughout the race.
Check Point Locations:
- CP1 Start /Finish Petersham & Ham Sea Scouts HQ, Petersham Road, Richmond, TW10 7AH (KLP Medics)
- CP2 Kew Gardens Car Park, Ferry Lane, TW9 3AG (KLP Medics)
- CP3 Thames Path (opp) Barnes Sports Club, Lonsdale Rd, SW13 9Q
Runners World is rated as one of the top 10 marathons in the U.K.
Thames Meander Route Descriptions
Thames Meander Routes: These three run routes will all start at the Petersham & Ham Sea Cadets HQ venue and will run alongside the Thames Path on stunning out / back routes.
10km Route: This will be a x1 lap out / back loop for the 10km distance, starting at the Petersham & Ham Sea Cadets HQ and heading out along the Thames Path to Kew Gardens Car Park Check Point 2 the turnaround point and back.
Half Marathon Route: This will be a x1 13.1 mile out and back loop for the half marathon, starting at the Petersham & Ham Sea Cadets HQ heading out along the Thames Path to opposite the Barnes Sports Club Check Point 3 the turnaround point and back.
Marathon Route: This will be x2 13.1 mile out and back loops for the marathon, starting at the Petersham & Ham Sea Cadets HQ heading out along the Thames Path to opposite the Barnes Sports Club Check Point 3 the turnaround point and back.
This is a trail run so please understand that all three routes are as accurate as they can possibly be on this Thames Path trail, given that there are members of the public including some cyclists using this trail. The turnaround points at Kew Gardens CP2 (10km only) and at Barnes (opposite the Barnes Sports Club) for the half and marathon, will be very well marshalled. The three Check Points will also be well stocked with a selection of high energy foods, gels, drinks and electrolyte powders so you can keep well hydrated, and maintain your refuelling needs throughout the race.
Check Point Locations:
- CP1 Start /Finish Petersham & Ham Sea Scouts HQ, Petersham Road, Richmond, TW10 7AH (KLP Medics)
- CP2 Kew Gardens Car Park, Ferry Lane, TW9 3AG (KLP Medics)
- CP3 Thames Path (opp) Barnes Sports Club, Lonsdale Rd, SW13 9Q
Runners World is rated as one of the top 10 marathons in the U.K.
Races
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Marathon
Sun 4th October 2026 (08:30)
£58.59
UK Athletics (UKA) save £2.00
Association of Running Clubs (ARC) save £2.00
Trail Running Association (TRA) save £2.00
Booking for more than 1? -
Half Marathon
Sun 4th October 2026 (09:00)
£47.97
UK Athletics (UKA) save £2.00
Association of Running Clubs (ARC) save £2.00
Trail Running Association (TRA) save £2.00
Booking for more than 1? -
10km
Sun 4th October 2026 (09:15)
£37.36
UK Athletics (UKA) save £2.00
Association of Running Clubs (ARC) save £2.00
Trail Running Association (TRA) save £2.00
Booking for more than 1?
Reviews
- 5
- 4
- 3
- 2
- 1
4.1
5 reviews
The run itself was on a beautiful path. However, the snacks and the drinks at aid stations had no labels / ingredient lists. When we asked about allergens and dietary requirements, the staff said "we don't know". This is disappointing as we had to stop at a pub and buy snacks in the second half our our race. It was also announced that there would be gels and electrolytes which we didn't find in any aid station.
Too little number of toilets, long queues at the start of the race.
Crowded start.
I think this is a great event and have run it a few times. The riverside route is very scenic and extremely flat. Nicely stocked drinks stations. It's not hugely oversubscribed either, so the start and registration aren't a bun fight. The only things to note are that the tow path isn't completely paved, so there are a few spots where it's more trail-like. And there are no distance markers, but that's not an issue as I track distance on my watch.
As my first marathon, I obviously cannot compare this to any others. That said, the event had a very nice feel to it, with no criticism to the organisers, it felt amateur. By this, it felt very much a run for standard runners and supported by a group of volunteer marshals. I would imagine this is what the original marathons of the 70s were like, with less than 80 participants. Re the run itself, easy to follow, picturesque and fuel stations in perfect locations. The only negatives I had was the path in places was very narrow - can't be changed - and lots of Joe public in the way. My final gripe was the race according to my Strava measured 26.7 miles and not 26.2. That said, I would definitely do it again!
Location
Petersham Road, Richmond TW10 7AH, UK
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