Richmond Marathon 2025: Everything you need to know

The running club supporting men’s mental health marathon with less big-city bustle and more breathtaking scenery? The 2025 Richmond Marathon might just be the one for you. Taking place at the tail end of summer, the course winds through some of southwest London’s most iconic and picturesque spots, including the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, Ham House, Richmond Green, Teddington Lock, Kingston Riverside and long stretches along the River Thames.

As part of the Richmond Runfest Weekend, this marathon offers a flat, fast course, with stunning views and a finish-line music festival to celebrate your achievement.

Whether you’re planning to run, cheer from the sidelines or exploring your next race, here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 Richmond Marathon.

What everyone's reading

When is the 2025 the Richmond Marathon?

lsquo;How I ran a 2:48 PB at the 2025 London Marathon&rsquo.

If you don’t fancy the full 26.2-miler, there is also a half marathon, 10K, and a kids and family mile encompassed in the Richmond Runfest weekend. Whatever your ability, age, or goals, there’s something for everyone to get involved with.

Where is the Richmond Marathon start line?

The race starts next to The Orangery, Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew – a picturesque start for this scenic marathon. To get to the start line, head to Kew Gardens via Elizabeth Gate, Kew Green, TW9 3AA.

What time does the race start?

The race officially starts at 8am, with runners setting off in waves depending on predicted finishing times. You will be emailed your wave allocation and start time roughly the week before the event. But don’t worry, there will be plenty of people on hand on the day in case you’re unsure.

The best UK races to enter this May.

How do I get my bib number?

Unless you are an international runner, your race pack will be delivered to you in advance. This will be sent out in the post so you can expect to receive your number the week before, or the week of the race.

If you have not received your race number by the Tuesday before the event, you’ll need to collect one from the information tent the morning of the race.

What is the Richmond Marathon route?

The race begins at The Orangery in Kew Gardens, with the first six miles taking runners on a scenic tour of the botanical gardens. Along the way, you’ll pass some of Kew’s most iconic landmarks – including the Palm House, the Kitchen Garden, The Hive, Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, the Great Pagoda, the Temperate House, Kew Palace and the Great Broad Walk.

Exiting the gardens, runners head towards Richmond, following the River Thames past Syon House, over Richmond Bridge, and up the picturesque Richmond Hill. From there, the route winds along the towpath to Teddington Lock, then into the heart of Kingston Marketplace, and past Kingston Bridge.

One of the highlights of the route is a stretch through the historic grounds of Hampton Court Palace. Runners will then begin their final push back towards Richmond, passing Ham House before finishing in the beautiful surroundings of Old Deer Park – where a music festival awaits.

Will I find a bag drop facilities at the event?

The bag drop will be open before the race starts, located outside Elizabeth Gate (outside Kew Gardens). These will then be taken over to the finish line in Old Deer Park for you to collect afterwards.

How do I get to the start line?

Kew Bridge station is just 800m from Elizabeth Gate, accessible via Kew Bridge. South Western Railway runs regular services from London Waterloo, stopping at Vauxhall and Clapham Junction.

Several bus routes also serve the area:

Route 65 stops near Elizabeth Gate, Victoria Gate and Lion Gate. It connects with Ealing Broadway and the Richmond stations.
Route 110 stops close to Kew Gardens station and Elizabeth Gate, and links the Richmond station.
There is still time to enter the Richmond Marathon, which you can do on the.

Still unsure? Don’t worry, there’ll be clear signage and marshals in high-vis vests ready to guide you from the stations to the start line.

Before the event, it’s worth checking the TFL website There is still time to enter the Richmond Marathon, which you can do on the.

Are there any toilets and water stations along the route?

There are toilets located at the start of the race, near Brentford gate and at the Orangery, as well as several toilets along the half marathon and full marathon course.

Can I wear headphones during the Richmond Marathon?

In-ear headphones are not permitted, as parts of the route takes you outside Kew Gardens where it's important to hear instructions from marshals. However, you can use bone-conduction headphones if you have them.

Does the race have a cut-off time?

The Marathon has a cut-off time of 6:30, but don’t worry - you will still get your medal no matter what time you finish.

Where are the best places to spectate?

Each Richmond Marathon entry includes free access for two adults and two children into Kew Gardens – just make sure you arrive before 9am.

Dogs aren’t allowed inside Kew Gardens, so if you’re bringing a four-legged friend, you’ll need to cheer from elsewhere.

After 9am, head to Old Deer Park to watch runners cross the finish line. Dogs are welcome there, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy the atmosphere and celebrate with your runner.