LOCATION

The race will be held in Richmond Park. The start/finish area will be near Sheen Cross roundabout, close to Sheen Gate and Roehampton Gate. This is a new location, at the request of the Royal Parks Agency.

For the location of the start and finish, the course and car parks, click on the link on the left hand side of the screen titled Map (in mapometer).   The nearest parking is Roehampton and Sheen Gate car parks.

More information about the park, including a detailed map, can be found on the Richmond Park website.

TIMETABLE

Division 2 Men’s Race 1:30pm.  Hosted by The Stragglers. 

COURSE

The park drains well.  Unless there is heavy rain leading up to the event, short spikes or even road shoes are recommended, though trail shoes may be worn. Most of the course is on grassy paths but the run down to the Pen Ponds is stony and rutted in places.

From a wide and bumpy start, the course makes its way to the Jubilee Pond before following a grass path beside a brook to the foot of Queen’s Ride and the start of the lap.

Turn right and ascend Queen’s Ride, all the way up until the road is reached. Follow the road to a dip, where there is a narrow path on the left. After a short while, cross the horse ride where there is a large clump of reeds and immediately bear left, to join the main path around Sidmouth Wood. Follow this path all the way down the hill to the Pen Ponds. Turn left before the ponds onto the grass then bear right to run beside the lower Pen Pond. Continue up towards the Ballet School before two left turns lead to a descent to the bottom of Queen’s Ride and the end of the lap. You will run  two laps. Distance approx 8300m.

Then to finish turn right at the bottom of Queen’s Ride to follow another grass path beside the brook.

BANNERS, TENTS, BELLS AND HORNS

The Royal Parks Agency has agreed to the erection of banners and flags, in a marked area alongside the start. However, tents are not permitted. Neither is the use of cow bells, horns or similar instruments.

Please abide by these instructions and do not jeopardise the future use of the park for races.

TRANSPORT

Richmond Park covers a large area and is bounded to north by the A305 and A205 (South Circular Road) between Richmond and Barnes, to the west by the A307 between Richmond and Kingston, to the south by the A308 and A3 between Kingston and Roehampton and to the east by the A306 through Roehampton.

There are five vehicle entrances to Richmond Park: Roehampton Gate (north east), Sheen Gate (north), Richmond Gate (north west), Ham Gate (west) and Kingston Gate (south west).

For travel by public transport, please consult the National Rail and Transport for London websites.

The closest railway stations are at Richmond, Mortlake, Barnes and Kingston and are part of the South Western Railway network.

From Richmond or Kingston stations, take the 371 bus to the American University bus stop. Richmond Gate is around the corner and from there it is approximately 1¼ miles to Sheen Cross roundabout. From Mortlake Station, Sheen Cross roundabout is approximately 1¼ miles via Sheen Lane and from Barnes Station approximately 1¾ miles via Priory Lane.

PARKING

The nearest car parks are at Sheen Gate and Roehampton Gate. Both are within ½ mile of the start.

The park authorities have asked that no vehicles use the Pembroke Lodge car park.

Please be aware there is no vehicle access at Robin Hood Gate and that gates allowing vehicle access to Richmond Park will be closed shortly before dusk – please check the times which are displayed on the gates as you enter the park by road. 

FACILITIES

There are no changing facilities. Please come ready changed.

Toilets are available at Sheen Gate, Roehampton Gate and Robin Hood Gate car parks. Some of the toilets in the park may incur a 20p charge for use.

There is a café at Roehampton Gate car park