The sun was shining brightly as the the organisers, helpers and volunteers worked hard on the final preparations for the the inaugural Richmond Park Marathon. Meanwhile up to 300 marathon runners, ranging from relaxed veterans of several hundred marathons to anxious virgins about to take part in their first journey over 26.2 miles, began to gather alongside Sheen Gate, at the northern end of London's famous Richmond Park . .

the start and finish area were alongside one another, and the runners would pass by the finish 3 times as they completed 1 smaller loop and then 3 larger loops around the circumference of the Park . .

I managed to find two especially attractive spots to take my photos . . beside Pen Ponds in the centre of the Park, which the runners passed once on the first short loop . . and then alongside Bishop's Pond, close to Richmond Gate, where I saw almost all the runners come by once . .

Richmond Park is famed for the wildlife that lives there . . and unfortunately I have much time to take photos of many things other than runners . . but I did see plenty of deer . . some beautiful birds . .

and lots and lots of Serpies . . with bright red and yellow plumage . . they're extremely cheerful and energetic characters on the whole, happy to accept food and drink from other visitors, and indeed to share their own . . showing a tendency to be a little raucous when in a group perhaps but this is easily overlooked as their enthusiasm is quite infectious . .

on the way round the Park there were lots of signs to read and instructions and advice to obey (regular visitors to these pages know that I do like signs!) . .

and waiting for the runners at the end of their Marathon, apart from the satisfaction of having completed 26.2 miles in beautiful surroundings, were mugs, medals, and t-shirts . .

the following pages show photos from before and after the Marathon . . and in particular of the runners on their way round the course. Please use the buttons below and to the left to find your way around the photos, and if you want to return to this page just click on the one that says Richmond Park Marathon . .