01 / KNOW THE ROUTE
What the course asks of you
Enjoy Kew with a comfortable opening
The organiser begins the marathon inside Kew Gardens before the route follows the river setting. Give the opening space to settle, using an easy stride on the garden paths. The first landmarks are a chance to enjoy the surroundings while establishing the effort you have rehearsed.
Prepare for the rhythm of the towpath
The organiser describes Thames-side running and a finish in Old Deer Park. Use training to become comfortable sustaining effort on paths as well as roads. Let the space, footing and other runners guide your line, with smooth changes of direction and an unhurried return to rhythm.
02 / BUILD THE BLOCK
How to prepare
Practise on relevant surfaces
Include suitable river paths, park routes or similar maintained trails within your easy and longer running. Introduce unfamiliar surfaces gradually and choose shoes that feel comfortable across the mix. Keep the long-run progression connected to the rest of your training.
Rehearse patient passing and bends
On safe shared routes, practise slowing briefly where space narrows and returning to your effort without a sharp acceleration. Give other users room. This develops a useful habit for path running while keeping attention on a comfortable stride.
Test your carrying setup on the move
Use selected long runs to rehearse taking food and drink while running on paths. Check that pockets or a belt stay comfortable over time. Combine the rehearsal with breakfast and shoes you can use on race day so the practical routine feels familiar.
Bring the running and strength work into one place. Explore MaxMile for your Richmond Marathon preparation, or compare our personal coaching options.
03 / PUT IT INTO PRACTICE
Pace the race you have trained for
Settle through the garden section at a comfortable effort. On the riverside paths, let the ground and available space shape the pace. Keep overtakes smooth and use elapsed time at markers alongside breathing and how you feel.
Keep your fuel routine regular as the landmarks change. Later, focus on short manageable sections and attentive foot placement. The Old Deer Park finish gives you a clear goal while you carry a relaxed rhythm through the last part of the route.
04 / MAKE ROOM FOR TRAINING
When should your block start?
A marathon-specific block often spans around 16 to 20 weeks, with consistent running already in place. Choose the length from your experience, current training and available time, and allow longer if you first need to establish a running base.
Once you have an entry, work backwards from your confirmed race day to place long runs, fuelling rehearsals, recovery and a taper. Plan travel and other commitments into the same calendar so the training fits the life around it.
05 / SORT THE PRACTICAL BITS
Kit and race-weekend planning
The start and finish occupy different places. Use the organiser’s current entry gate and travel guidance for Kew, then plan how you will collect belongings and leave Old Deer Park after the race.
Check spectator admission rules directly before arranging garden access. Agree a meeting point beyond the finish area and use the official route for viewing plans. Select tested shoes for the expected surface conditions rather than choosing only by a road-racing label.