Below are common questions that you may have for the River Thames Half Marathon.
Try our new run concierge below. If you have any FAQs that are not below please contact us here and we will get back to you.
If you have any FAQs that are not below please contact us and we will get back to you.
When is the River Thames Half Marathon?
Sunday 25th October 2026 at 8.30am.
How much does it cost to enter?
Early Bird Entry:
[From 9th December, 2025 – 22nd March, 2026 @ 11:59 pm]
Club Entry*:
£30.00 + £2.50 Transaction fee = £32.50
Non Club Entry:
£32.00 + £2.50 Transaction fee = £34.50
Standard Entry:
[From 23rd March, 2026 – 23rd October, 2026 @ 11:59 pm]
Club Entry*:
£35 + £2.50 Transaction fee = £37.50
Non Club Entry:
£37 + £2.50 Transaction fee = £39.50
*Club entry = £2 discount for England Athletic club athletes who are registered to compete.
Where do I collect race numbers?
Race numbers for this event are collection only. You can collect your race number on race morning behind Wilde Brunch Cafe or you can collect from 16th October from the following sports shop:
Weybridge Sports, 44 High St, Weybridge, KT13 8BL (Mon – Fri: 09:30 – 17:30, Sat: 09:00 – 17:00 or Sun 18th Oct: 10:30 – 14:30).
Kingston: About The Run, Unit A, 7 Crown Arcade, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1JB. (Mon – Fri: 9:30 – 17:30, Sat: 10:00 – 18:00 and Sun 18th Oct: 11:00 – 16:30).
Kingston: About The Run, Unit A, 7 Crown Arcade, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1JB. (Mon – Fri: 9:30 – 17:30, Sat: 10:00 – 18:00 and Sun 18th Oct: 11:00 – 16:30).
Important: Running shop number collection ends at 3pm on Saturday 24th October. If you miss this time you must collect your number on race morning.
You will be emailed final instructions two weeks before the race.
Will I get a medal or a mug at the end of the race?
All runners will receive a medal and a tech tee for this event.
Where are the final instructions?
We will send your final instructions 10 days before the event. They will also appear on this page: https://riverthamesrunning.co.uk/instructions/
Where are toilets located on the course?
We will have toilets at the start, at 2 miles, 5miles, and 12miles.
Where can I park?
Parking information can be found here
Where can I leave my bags/clothes?
Our friendly baggage team will be waiting for you to collect your baggage underneath Walton Bridge (Millenium Bridge). Please provide your own bags.
Can I get a refund or defer my place to the following year?
Race entries are NOT TRANSFERABLE and NON-DEFERABLE. We do not permit a change of race number. A full refund will only be offered within 14 days of payment. After this there will be NO REFUNDS, DEFERRALS TO NEXT YEAR OR TRANSFERS TO ANOTHER RUNNER.
Can I see a course map?
River Thames Half course map: Click here
Where do I place my chip?
Your timing chip is on the back of your race number.
Can I give my number to a friend to run?
Sorry, this goes against our health and safety regulations and breaks our public liability insurance. We are responsible for our registered runners only and require emergency information incase something happens.
Can I run with headphones?
Sadly no (in-ear headphones) (Runbritain rules, not ours). However, you can use bone conduction headphones.
What is the terrain like?
River Thames Half Marathon is all on road and path at the start before running along the Thames Towpath. Please expect to run on flat path, road and gravel. The course is flat as a pancake.
Can I enter the race and still raise money for a charity that is not an official charity?
Yes, you can run for any cause of your choice. Once you have your place you can contact that charity direct.
If you enter through a Public Entry place you do not have to fundraise, however many runners do and enjoy this experience.
When your ready start your gofundme page and get fundraising. Click here
Where will the waterstations be?
We have water stations at approximately 3 miles, 5.5 miles, 8.5 miles and at the finish. There will only be water on the course. Food and other drinks will be at the finish but not on the course.
Where will my race start?
Race village will be at Wilde Brunch Cafe, Cowey Sale, Shepperton, Walton-on-Thames KT12 1QP
The race will start on Walton Bridge but entry will be via the Thames Path.
When and where can I find my race photographs?
Race photographs from the event will be ready after Monday lunchtime.
When ready, the link to find them can be found on the results page, our social media and we will also email our runners.
Can my dog/pram run with me?
Sadly no, we follow the same rules as Run England Athletics and therefore I am afraid we will not be able to allow prams/dogs in the races.
Is this race on closed roads?
The River Thames Half Marathon is on multi-terrain paths and not on closed roads. It will be well marshalled but always take care when crossing any road on the course.
How can I find out what personal information you may hold on me?
Please contact us or call our office and we will be able to assist you.
For more information on our privacy policy please click here.
Is the course measured and can it be used for London Marathon 'Good for age' or a Boston Marathon qualifier?
Yes it can. All courses have been measured by Olympic Games measurer Hugh Jones on behalf Association of UK Course Measurers and our event is ran under RUNBRITAIN rules.
Can I choose the charity I run for?
Yes, you can run for any cause of your choice. Once you have your place you can contact that charity direct.
If you enter through a Public Entry place you do not have to fundraise, however many runners do and enjoy this experience.
When your ready start your gofundme page and get fundraising. Click here
What happens if I receive my number but cannot run on race day?
Sorry you cannot run anymore. You do not need to return your timing chip.
Why not consider volunteering for us and receive a free entry into one of our future events?
Can I get a refund or defer my place to the following year?
Race entries are NOT TRANSFERABLE and NON-DEFERABLE. We do not permit a change of race number. A full refund will only be offered within 14 days of payment. After this there will be NO REFUNDS, DEFERRALS TO NEXT YEAR OR TRANSFERS TO ANOTHER RUNNER.
Why not consider volunteering for us and receive a free entry into one of our future events?
Can I give my number to a friend to run?
Sorry, this goes against our health and safety regulations and breaks our public liability insurance. We are responsible for our registered runners only and require emergency information incase something happens.
Why not consider volunteering for us and receive a free entry into one of our future events?
Is the race chip timed?
Yes, using disposable chips that will be on the back of your number.
Where do I place my chip?
Your timing chip is on the back of your race number. You must fasten your race number to your chest using the safety pins provided. For your safety the number MUST be visible on your chest.
Can I enter the race and still raise money for a charity that is not an official charity?
Yes, if you purchased a Public Place, you can choose to run for any charity you like, or not at all.
There are two types of race places:
Public Place:
This is the place you purchase via our website before the race sells out. Once you have paid for your place it is your choice if you want to run for you, or if you want to run and fundraise for any charity you like. You can contact the charity directly and they will support you in your journey.
Charity Place:
This place is given to you after you have applied for it, by one of our Official Charities. Upon accepting this place you agree to abide by their terms and conditions of this place and you can’t use this to run for another charity. The charity you have chosen will support you from the beginning through to the end.
When you’re ready start, set up your Just Giving page and get fundraising. Click here
How can I find out what personal information you may hold on me?
You can find this information in our privacy policy please click here.
Please contact us or call our office and we will be able to assist you with any further requests or if you want us to delete this information.
Where are the final instructions?
Final instructions will be added to the website HERE 10 days before the event.
We will be sending out final instructions to all registered runners before the event to the email address you signed up with.
Please check your email (including your junk folder). Search for info@run-fest.com.
Where can I collect my medal insert from?
The medal insert is not created at the event. Once it has been printed with your personal finish time, it will be sent out by post (the address you gave when signing up to the race) 2 weeks after the event. It will be printed with your name and finish time and is designed to fit perfectly in the back of your medal. It’s a great way to celebrate your achievement and share your success with others. If your address has changed since the time you signed up, please contact us.
Where can I find my free race photos?
Your free race photo’s will be ready by Monday lunchtime. The link will be added to the website, social media and the results page so please check there. We will also email you this link when they’re ready.
When will my insert medal arrive?
The medal insert will be sent out by post (the address you gave when signing up to the race) 2 weeks after the event. It will be printed with your name and finish time and is designed to fit perfectly in the back of your medal. It’s a great way to celebrate your achievement and share your success with others. If your address has changed since the time you signed up, please contact us.
Where can I find my race results?
Your results can be found on the results page by the evening of the event (sometimes your results can appear within seconds of you crossing the finish line). Look for the results page in the event menu to find this. We also try to add results page onto social media and we will also email your race results after the event (within 48hrs). Please check your email (including your junk folder). Please search for info@run-fest.com
My results are not appearing on Power of 10, when will they be posted?
Once our timing company are happy that we have a full set of race results, the race director will send the results off to England Athletics. This normally happens the week after the event. On average it takes 10 days after the event for results to appear on Power of 10.
I am pregnant, can I defer my entry to the following year?
Yes, we are happy to defer your entry to the following year, please contact us.
Does everyone start at the same time? Can I start earlier or later?
There will be one start time per race distance. For our big events we may include start wave’s at different times but all of our races will start within 15 minutes of the start time. You cannot start before the start time due to marshals and medical staff not being in place. If you turn up late you will not be able to compete.
How do I change my predicted time?
If your predicted finish time has changed since registration, that’s not a problem. On race day, simply join the wave that you feel most comfortable running with. We use your predicted finisher time to calculate an even spread in our starting pens. You can change these pens on race day.
Where can I find the GPX/ KML information?
When the course is measured it will be added to the event course page.
Where should I display my race number?
For safety reasons, your race number must be clearly displayed on the front of your clothing during the event. Our marshals need to see this during the race and also course photographers need to see this.
Is this race on closed roads?
Please refer to specified event page as they may vary on the distance. Look in the event information area.
When should I expect final instructions email?
We will send your final instructions 10 days before race day. Please check your email (including your junk folder). Please search for info@run-fest.com
Where can I find my race results?
Your results can be found on the results page by the evening of the event (sometimes your results can appear within seconds of you crossing the finish line).
Click here to select your events race results or…
We also try to add results page onto social media and we will also email your race results after the event (within 48hrs). Please check your email (including your junk folder). Please search for info@run-fest.com
My race time is wrong or not showing. How can I correct it?
To view your race results, please click this link.
If you need to correct any details in your results, contact the team at results@racetimingsolutions.co.uk.
What happens if I am late for the start?
If you are late and the race has started, you will not be able to run.
Alternatively we can offer you to do this race virtually. Please provide us with evidence (GPS/ Strava) and we be happy to post medal and t-shirt free of charge. Send information via our contact us page.
Do kids or family mile runners get medal and T-shirt?
Children will receive a medal at the end of the race. We do not provide a t-shirt for the family mile and kids mile.
If I have my race number do I need to check in?
If you have received your race number prior to the race there is no need to check in, we would advice you to arrive 1 hour prior to the star to allow enough time to warm up and using the facilities (using toilet or having a coffee).
How do I get to the race?
Race number collection: Wilde Brunch Cafe, Cowey Sale, Shepperton, Walton-on-Thames KT12 1QP
All participants are encouraged to car share, use public transport or walk/run to the venue where possible.
Race number collection: Wilde Brunch Cafe, Cowey Sale, Shepperton, Walton-on-Thames KT12 1QP
There is a lot of traffic heading here so we advise parking in the Heart Shopping centre or if you’re getting dropped off in cab we advise this address and walking across the bridge to the event village: Walton Bridge Rd, Shepperton TW17 8LX
We will send out this information in the final instructions email 10 days before the event.
Can a friend collect my race number?
Yes, a race number can be collected on a runner’s behalf. Please ensure the person collecting has the full name and date of birth of the registered runner.
What information do I need to pick up a race pack for a friend?
Please ensure the person collecting has the full name and date of birth of the registered runner.
What food or drink will be on the course?
Yes, a race number can be collected on a runner’s behalf. Please ensure the person collecting has the full name and date of birth of the registered runner.
What is the the cut off time?
Here are the cut off times for our events.
10K = 1hr 40 mins
Half marathon = 3hrs 30mins
Full marathon = 6hrs
Runners may continue to run after this time but marshals and medical teams may have stood down. The runner will need to acknowledge this, remove their race number and release the organiser from liability.
What are the Pace makers times?
Depending on the size of the event we may have more or less pacers.
Generally, we provide the following pacing groups at our event:
For our Half Marathon race the pacing groups are1 HOUR 25 Mins, 1 HOUR 30 MIns, 1 HOUR 40 MIns, 1 HOUR 45 MIns, 1 HOUR 50 MIns, 2 HOURS, 2 HOURS 10 Mins, 2 HOURS 15 MIins, 2 HOURS 20 Mins, 2 HOURS 30Mins. For our 10K race we will have pacers in the following groups… 40 Minutes, 45 Minutes, 50 Minutes, 55 Minutes, 60 Minutes, 65 Minutes, 70 Minutes.
For our marathon race , we will have pacers in the following groups:
3 HOURS, 3 HOURS 15 MINS, 3 HOURS 30 MINS, 3 HOURS 45 MINS, 4 HOURS, 4 HOURS 15 MINS, 4 HOURS 30 MINS, 4 HOURS 45 MINS, 5 HOURS, 5 HOURS 15 MINS, 5 HOURS 30 MINS
I am injured, what are my options?
Please note that it may be difficult to follow runners along the course on race day, as the route may cover a long distance and access points can be limited.
We do not have an app that will follow runners.
To help friends and family track your progress, we recommend that runners share their live location using WhatsApp or a tracking app like Strava Beacon. This is a great way to stay connected and make it easier for supporters to cheer you on along the course or meet you at the finish line.
Is there an app for spectators to follow runners?
We do not have an application that will allow spectators to follow runners. This means it may be difficult to follow runners along the course on race day, as the route may cover a long distance and access points can be limited.
To help friends and family track your progress, we recommend that runners share their live location using WhatsApp or a tracking app like Strava Beacon. This is a great way to stay connected and make it easier for supporters to cheer you on along the course or meet you at the finish line.
I was not able to participate on the event, can I still get the t-shirts?
Absolutely, contact us here with your t-shirt size and delivery address, we will be happy to post it free of charge.
If event is sold out, how do I enter?
Once an event sells out there maybe an option to enter a race from one of our official charity partners. We do not have a waiting list for our events.
Do you have a waiting list?
We don’t operate a waiting list for our events. However, you might still be able to join the event through one of our charity partners. You might be surprised the fundraising targets are often lower than those of many other charities. Please refer to our charities page in the menu.
Can I change the size of my t-shirt?
Yes, if it is not the right size for you and you have already left the event village, contact us here and we will post the correct size for you.
Can I change my distance for the race?
Race changes are subject to safety regulations and participant limits and are not guaranteed. If you need to change your distance we will do our best to facilitate if we have space, however if your desired distance has sold out then this will not be possible. To request a change, please contact us here
Can I drop down my distance on race day?
Changing your race distance on the day may not be possible due to safety regulations and capacity limits. However, if you feel unable to complete the full distance during the event, you are welcome to switch to a shorter distance. Please note that it is your responsibility to follow the correct route and signage for the distance you choose to run. Our marshals will continue to direct participants based on bib colour, so be sure to navigate accordingly if you change distance mid-race.
I can't find my confirmation email?
Please check your email (including your junk folder). Search for info@run-fest.com. If you entered via a third-party seller you may want to search findarace or lets do this. If you cannot find it, please contact us here with your full name and email used to register.
How do I qualify for a free elite place?
You can now get free entry in our RUN-FEST events (inc. Richmond/ Kew/ Worthing Half Marathon and Kew/ Worthing/ Richmond 10k).
Athletes must have ran a qualifying time on a UKA measured course (or equivalent) recorded in the last 2 years and must be present on the Power of 10 website.
We require you to make contact with us 1 month before the event. We reserve the right to not accept everyone who enters and the below are only guidelines. The race directors decision is final. Click here to view the qualifying times and full details.
I have lost an item at the event?
If you’ve lost something at one of our events, feel free to contact us here with a description of the item and where you think it may have been lost. If anything matching your description is handed in, we’ll do our best to reunite you with it.
How can I get my charity officially involved with the event?
Please head to our charity page for more information on how to get your charity involved in one of our events.
Who can I contact for partnership or sponsorship?
Please contact us here and select general enquiries. Please provide some information about the company and how they would like to get involved.
How do I make complaint?
Sorry that you have a complaint. Please contact us here and a member of the team will be happy to assist.
What are the roads closure and time?
We add road closures onto the website at least 1 month before an event. We add these pages to the menu of the event. If you are having problems finding it or have any questions about them, please contact us here.
How do I get out of my house if road is closed?
We aim to cause as little inconvenience as possible and fully understand that local residents may occasionally need access to roads that are closed during the event. Our course manager will do their best to find a safe solution that works for both residents and our runners.If you know in advance that you’ll need access, please contact us here with the following details:
Contact name, contact telephone number, the road you need access to and the time(s) you’ll need access.
I haven't received any information about the race, how do i get it?
Apologies if you haven’t received the information after signing up. Please contact us here and include the following details: Your full name, the email address used to register, whether you purchased the race entry via a third party (i.e. Findarace or Letsdothis). We’ll be able to check our records and provide you with the necessary information.
I have signed up with charity, what do I do if I can't run?
If you are a charity runner, please contact your chosen charity directly, they will look after your registration and support. You can find their contact details on our Charity Partners page.
If you are still having problems, please contact us with all the information you have from the charity you contacted.
Where is the best viewing point for a wheelchair user?
Please contact us here to answer this question. Please select the event you require information on.
What time am I supposed to arrive on race day?
For our events where the start line is easily accessible we recommend arriving at least 1 hour before the event to allow enough time to collect your race number (if you haven’t already), use the toilets, drop off your bag, and make your way to the start line.
For our events inside Kew Gardens we advise you arrive 1 hour before your start wave opens to allow enough time to get to the start location which is a 15 minute walk from the main entrance.
I'm from a charity. How do I contact your head of charity?
Please contact Jade on charities@run-fest.com
Do I need to purchase a ticket for myself if my child is in the kids race?
Yes, everyone participating in the race is required to have a registration. They will all need to have a race number to be allowed to run.
What is the minimum age that you can enter a half marathon?
Participants must be over the prospective ages on the day of the event the participant is registered to: 17 or over for the Half Marathons.
What electrolytes will be available on the day?
We do not offer electrolyte drinks on the course of this event.
At what points on the course are there toilets available for runners?
We aim to have toilets at every water station.
Is it okay for a friend to pick up my race pack? What information do I need to pick up a race pack for a friend?
Yes, race numbers can be collected on behalf of a runner, make sure to have runners full name, date of birth or the confirmation email.
I have picked up an injury. Is it okay for me to still compete?
If you’ve picked up an injury, it’s your responsibility as a runner to decide whether you’re fit to take part. We do recommend checking with a medical professional first, just to be on the safe side. Please also remember that all participants must still finish within the official cut-off time.
If you’re unable to run on the day, we offer the option to complete the race virtually instead. Once you’ve provided evidence showing the distance covered, we’re happy to post out your medal and t-shirt (if it’s part of your race pack)
I am a visually impaired and run witn a guide. Can I still run?
Yes, you are absolutely welcome to register yourself for the race. Once you’ve completed your registration, please contact us so we can provide a complimentary code for your guide runner.
If you’re unable to run on the day, we offer the option to complete the race virtually instead. Once you’ve provided evidence showing the distance covered, we’re happy to post out your medal and t-shirt (if it’s part of your race pack)
How can I volunteer?
Any community events like ours cannot happen without the help of volunteers.
We would love to have you as part of the team.
Volunteer posts vary in time, so even if you have a couple of hours to offer we would love to have you!
Roles vary from welcome marshals, course marshals, baggage, water-station and finish line volunteers. Also volunteers get a free entry into a future event!
For more information and to sign up visit our volunteer page: https://riverthamesrunning.co.uk/get-involved/volunteer-us/
Do I get a medal?
Yes, all runners who complete the distance will receive a medal at the finish line from one of our amazing voluneers.
Can I run with a buggy, dog or pram?
No, you cannot run with a pram/ buggy or dog in an official Run England race (like ours). UK Athletics (UKA)/ Run England rules prohibit it. Specifically, Rule s6 states that pushing anyone in a buggy, stroller, or similar device is not permitted in any race held under UKA Rules of Competition. We love dogs, babies and wheeled based transport but we cannot allow them in our races.
What happens if I turn up late?
Sadly if you miss the start of the race, you will not be able to officially run. We need to know where all our runners are on the course so it’s important of marshals know who the last runner is. Marshals are amazing volunteers so once the last runner passes them, we stand them down. We cannot allow any late runners run the course without marshals for health and safety reasons. We advise all our runners to turn up an hour before the race to avoid to being late.
Is there disabled parking available?
We can on guarantee disabled parking amongst our official parking. Once our official car park is full we can only advise you to use the internet to find local disabled parking. Please note that sometimes the nearest disabled car park space might not be available due to road closures. For disabled car park options, please visit: https://bluebadgeparking.com/
Is there official event parking?
All participants are encouraged to car share, use public transport or walk/run to the venue where possible.
Race number collection: Wilde Brunch Cafe, Cowey Sale, Shepperton, Walton-on-Thames KT12 1QP
There is a lot of traffic heading here so we advise parking in the Heart Shopping centre or if you’re getting dropped off in cab we advise this address and walking across the bridge to the event village: Walton Bridge Rd, Shepperton TW17 8LX
