Where Chiswick, London
When April 19, 2009
First Man John Gilbert 53:54
First Woman Sara Grosvenor 1:05:51
Last Finisher 2:16:32
No. of Finishers 458
The TTT, as it's known locally, has become something of a must-run for club and casual runners alike around south-west London. On the evidence of this year's 19th edition it's not difficult to see why – it has a little bit of everything: a super-flat course, an extremely picturesque riverside route and an extraordinarily friendly team of officials.
The race started and finished on the playing field behind Quintin Boat Club next to Chiswick Bridge. After an initial two laps of the field, runners headed out over the bridge and, by way of a mile-loop around the outside of Mortlake cemetery, onto the south side of the towpath.
From there they headed west along the riverbank, where those not chasing PBs could take in the views of rowers, riverboats and the odd stray gull at their leisure. By the time the halfway marker came into view the field was rather spread out, as runners made their way up onto Twickenham Bridge and followed a 2.5-mile road route through the outskirts of Richmond, before cutting back onto the towpath at Kew Bridge to re-trace steps back to the finish.
The unseasonably warm spring sunshine contrived to make the re-crossing of Chiswick Bridge in the final mile a bigger challenge than it should have been, and the final lap of the playing field was likened by some to running through treacle after their previous exertions.
As well as exceptional organisation – including chip timing for the first time – all runners received energy drinks, lollipops, a Fuller's pint glass and a free massage for their £11 entry fee.
