Prefer the "normal" route but understand the change was unavoidable

It is so much smaller than the usual London races. I loved it. So friendly and it is gorgeous running along the river!

Thanks for a great day - My first marathon race event :) Only two points of feedback:
1 - The start was a little earlier than 10am and I was lucky enough to have my Garmin ready with GPS just in time, but a bit more of a countdown to the start (if not bang on 10am) would have been good.
2 - A few parts of the course were flooded - Being local, I knew this could have been the case, but I don't think all runners knew to expect this and the need to run through - I caught up with a few runners who had stopped wondering if they had gone the wrong way!
Apart from these two small points - The event was excellent and I would definitely recommend - Especially for first time marathon runners given the simplicity of the route and it being a very flat route. Thanks again, John Willoughby

what i really lacked was a snack/drinks stand at the marathon halfway turning point...it would have been a little reward for all the runners that they made it that far. also, it would have been nice if there were milestones along the way. otherwise very good.

THE ONLY THING THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN MANAGED BETTER IS WARNING PEOPLE THAT THE TIDE WAS RISING IN THE BARNES AS SOME OF US WERE FORCED TO TAKE SOCKS AND SHOES OFF TO GET THROUGH SHALLOW WATER IN THE THAMES. THERE MIGHT SOMEBODY RE-DIRECTING US JUST BEYOND BARNES BRIDGE ON THE WAY BACK

There were a couple of spectacularly grumpy people on the path [1 x cycle 1 x pedestrian] at the start of the half marathon. Rather as if they had set their alarms for the race start to make sure they were there at the right time to complain.

Could have done with an extra water station around the half way point - marathon distance. This would be my only point, however I did see some runners stop at the pub in Richmond to replenish. Great race guys!

Couple of things :
1. At start one runner banged into an older lady in Cranbury Gardens on first loop. It was an unfortunate accident but runners need to be careful.
2. The turnaround on marathon wasn’t that well signed or administered so we were a little uncertain - but no drama
3. The tide was fun especially at Mortlake. A number of us ploughed through but I expect others may not it wanted too - but you can’t halt nature.

Overall your events are really good. Done a couple of half’s and one marathon to qualify for Comrades. So much nicer than doing the large events - so thanks.

Kim Slater

Yesterday was my 3rd time on the Thames Meander, and I really enjoy it. Great course, close to home for me, well organised and super-easy (no long travel, no baggage trucks to worry about, just pitch up and off you go). The pre race welcome e.g. for the runner doing his 100th marathon was great, gave it all a nice friendly atmosphere. Good support along the way too.

On the course map - could you get your artist friend to add in some mile markers? Not so much for the runners, but for spectators it’s easier to work out timings where they can intercept you,

Water stations - the volunteers were brilliant. Suggest we need more water per cup though (only got 1/3 of a small cup most of the time yesterday, which just isn’t enough). Cups are a nightmare to drink from at the best of times, so more would help.

The high tide - wading through up to my shorts was a first for me on this course! The floodwater running down the Thames won’t have helped, but with high rainfall becoming more common by the looks of it, would definitely be worth avoiding race times that straddle High Water. The way out was fine, but it was v deep at Mortlake on the way back (thigh deep), and again at Richmond (shin deep). However, we survived!

Overall, well done, great event. See you next time!