Catching Up With Peter Wedderburn: Lessons From 20 Years Behind the Finish Line

For more than two decades, Peter Wedderburn helped shape some of London’s best-loved running events. As race director of the Hampton Court Half, Kingston Half Marathon and Kingston Breakfast Run, he oversaw races that saw more than 100,000 runners cross the finish line.
Now retired from race directing but still a passionate runner and active member of the Stragglers Running Club, Peter sat down with us for a quick-fire chat about his favourite memories, biggest challenges and what he’s been up to since handing over the race director’s flag including his new published book: Piscium.

Q: What’s your favourite memory from your time as a race director?
A: About five years in, during a Kingston Half Marathon, everything ran perfectly. Not a single glitch. It was the moment I thought, yes, I can do this.

Q: Funniest moment you’ve witnessed on race day?
A: Another Kingston Half—this time with truly biblical rain. Everyone finished looking like they’d swum in the Thames rather than run beside it, but spirits were incredibly high despite the downpour.

Q: What do you miss most about running Quicksilver events?
A: The camaraderie. We had a fantastic team—staff, volunteers, helpers, everyone involved. I miss that sense of togetherness, but all with very fond memories.

Q: And what do you absolutely not miss?
A: The tiny minority of runners who complain about everything. They’ll spot every little thing that goes wrong but never acknowledge all the things that went right.

Q: What was the biggest behind-the-scenes challenge that runners never knew about?
A: The 2014 Hampton Court Half, when severe flooding left the Thames path underwater for over a week. Everyone told me the race couldn’t happen, but the water dropped on the Thursday before the event, and we went ahead without issue. Nobody really saw the stress that went into making it possible.

Q: What’s the most heart-warming moment you remember from finish lines over the years?
A: Watching some of the slower runners complete their first half marathon. No matter the time, crossing that line meant huge personal achievement. Seeing that joy was always wonderful.

Q: Since passing the baton, what have you been up to?
A: I’m still involved in running—working with RunFest, helping the Stragglers with events like the Cabbage Patch 10 and the River Relay, and supporting other club events. I’ve also been doing some writing.

Q: Writing? Tell us more and what’s it about?
A: I’ve written a novel called Piscium. It’s an eco-thriller involving a genetically modified fish released into a lake—with things quickly getting out of control.

Q: Any local settings we might recognise?
A: Yes, toward the end of the book there’s a big section set around the Anglers Pub at Teddington Lock, and another down by Richmond at Half Lock.

You can buy Peter’s amazing book for yourself or maybe a Christmas gift here: Piscium.