Where Richmond, Surrey
When May 14, 2006
First Man Phil Killingley 1:10:30
First Woman Angela Howe 1:20:42
Last Finisher 2:42:53
No. of finishers 725
London has the nation's biggest marathon, 10K and 5K and yet is curiously devoid of half-marathons. Even with a glut, you'd be hard pushed to find a better one than the long-running Richmond Half.
Novices might find the start area intimidating with so many club singlets milling around; but the fast, flat course, abundance of enthusiastic marshals and relatively small field make it an ideal race for first-timers.
The one downside is the lack of support, which is hardly surprising considering the 8:30am, Sunday start. You'll certainly see more rowers than spectators on the middle four-mile stretch of the course that runs beside the Thames near Hampton Court Palace. While there aren't many spectators, there aren't many cars either, which considering so much of the route goes along open roads is a blessing.
An indication of the potential speed of the course was Killingley's winning time, two-and-a-half minutes inside the old course record.
