The inaugural Richmond Park Marathon, which took place in May 2011, was not only an award-winning success, it was also a great day out in a beautiful park with a lovely bunch of people . . although of course I write from the perspective of one who didn't run 26.2 miles, but who was able to stroll round taking the occasional photograph . .

When the runners came by after 3 miles I took a short video . . you won't be on the edge of your seat watching it but it's a bit of fun . .

The main problem in being Race Director for Gareth is that he isn't able to run his own marathon, and so this morning he staged a dummy run (sorry!) so that any of the others who will be marshalling next Sunday could have the chance to run the course with him and Nell McAndrew, who although unable to take part in the Marathon is a big fan of the event . .

. . when I arrived this morning, Gareth had prepared a kit and feed station . .

. . and Richmond Park was at its beautiful best . .

. . it was a pleasure to meet Nell and to be able to give her a photo I'd taken at the London Marathon . .

. . once everyone had got ready to run there was time to take a few photos of the group . .

. . and then David, Gareth, Mark, Allan, Stephanie, Nell and Helen were on their way . . initially on a short 3 mile loop . .

. . which gave me time to take photos of a few of the other things that caught my eye . . sometimes these runners do get in the way of my fun!!

. . but all the time of course I was watching the gap in the distance . . and it wasn't long before Nell and Mark came into view . .

. . soon followed by Alan, Stephanie and Gareth . . and then David a few moments behind . .

. . and then as Gareth gave chase, I had to be on my way to Warlingham, to take lots of photos at the Hillcrest 10k . .