Ranelagh Half · 2025
This year’s Ranelagh Half was truly special.
Showcasing the best of what our sport represents - joyous running, club & community spirit, and plenty of heart - underpinned by the time, effort & support so selflessly given by our members; as well as other members of our running community.
At all stages, from the pre-race marketing, to securing the support of our sponsors, to building that sense of excitement, right through to the planning & prepping, and the logistics & coordination - everyone came together on the day to realise a fantastic event to make our club proud.
This year's race built on last year's successes.
Firstly, we SOLD OUT! Capping out at 600 entries, representing such an event milestone for our club. A clear benchmark for us to continue building upon.
In warm conditions, 468 runners started; and by the finish it was 24 degrees - but definitely felt hotter in the sun! Despite the heat, the runners smashed it; the open course record was broken by over a minute and a half, taking it to a blistering 01:11:25.
It was an incredibly stacked field: 93 open entrants ran sub-90 minutes and 28 women sub-100 minutes. The overwhelming majority were club runners.
Including our Phil Collins, who trains with Advanced 1:
This was probably my most enjoyable race. From waking up to glorious sunshine and strolling to the start alongside Richmond riverside, swapping running stories with a random chap who was just coming to spectate, it all felt very familiar and friendly.
The atmosphere was relaxed and there was nice buzz of anticipation, without the tension that accompanies some big events.
Highlights for me included Coach Riley orchestrating the warm up, and the race start heading up Riverside Drive, just like a Tuesday training session but with more excitement and fresher legs!
With the temperatures climbing, the 8.30 start was essential and a clear incentive to finish quickly. There was welcome shade through the trees on the river and then a short but steep climb from Tide Tables to Richmond Bridge, which was not as bad as I had built up in my head, and possibly even a small momentum boost once negotiated smoothly.
The support and encouragement on the course was exceptional. Every familiar face and greeting was a little shot in the arm and a reminder that I was representing Ranelagh, which made me determined to hold my pace and to try chase down the runners in front of me.
A volunteer said I was 12th. Ok, decent but keep pushing!
The water stations were a life saver, and I grabbed every cup with both hands like it was the holy grail. Start line chat had convinced me that there were more benefits to dousing myself with water rather than drinking it. That was working well up until the last 4k and I suddenly felt incredibly thirsty.
I recalled the pre-run instructions "drink to thirst!" and I silently thanked the race organisers on the placement of one more water station to have a few gulps.
After that it was the familiarity of Riverside Drive and Tuesday night muscle memory kicked in to see me home to a PB.
Thanks to the organisers and volunteers for hosting such a cracking event... Post run was a lovely community atmosphere and the whole day was a real credit to the club.
Our event wasn’t just for seasoned runners…
… a large part of our ambition is to realise a competitive event that remains inclusive, while encouraging and rewarding performance at all levels. There was at least 29 PBs, and at least 21 athletes ran their first half ever at our event.
Here’s a few words from Chloe Dobbs, who trains with Inter 2, on her first Ranelagh Half:
The Ranelagh Half was a blast!
This was my first time running a race organised by the club, and I was genuinely blown away by how brilliantly it was put together. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the number of dedicated Ranelagh members in high-vis, making everything run like clockwork.
The start line, with around 500 runners and a big inflatable arch, was buzzing with energy as we set off down Riverside Drive in the sweltering heat. Fortunately, we’d started early enough to enjoy a clear, shaded run along the towpath from Teddington to Richmond Bridge.
My plan was to go fast down the shaded tow path to Richmond Bridge, then ease off in the sunshine. But to my surprise (and relief), there was still a fair bit of shade through Twickenham and on to Kingston. Despite my legs feeling pretty cooked by the 10k mark, I decided to keep the momentum going and make the most of the cooler patches while they lasted.
Everything changed when we turned to cross Kingston Bridge. The final 5k offered barely any shade whatsoever, and I honestly thought I was going to melt. But a glance at my watch reminded me I was still on track for my goal time—no backing off now!
That last stretch was tough. I DO NOT run well in the heat, and the final mile along Riverside Drive - fully exposed - was one of the hardest I’ve ever run. My legs were gone, the heat was nauseating, but I knew I couldn’t ease up so close to the finish. Thankfully, as we approached the line, a brilliant crowd of supporters gave us the lift we needed to get home.
Despite the brutal conditions, I had an amazing time. It was incredible seeing so many Ranelagh runners out on the course cheering us on—from start to finish.
Honestly, I think I might’ve melted and given up if it weren’t for the energy and encouragement of all the fantastic marshals and supporters. Massive thanks to everyone who made it happen!
While we put this event on for our fellow runners, none of it would be possible without our many volunteers.
Tons of work goes in beforehand to ensure everything is planned, considered and approved, so that it comes together successfully and safely; but it means nothing without their time, goodwill and support.
And this was apparent throughout the race. As our finishers crossed the line, so many’s first words were to thank the marshals out on course - even before they asked for water!
Over and over again, they commented on how lovely they were, how supported they felt, how well it was marked, how great the water stations were and what a fab club event it was.
And so, it’s apt that we hear from someone who had a dual role that day; as marshal and then as tail runner for a particular section…
… the delightful Tamsin Burland, Inter 3 coach:
I'd only been a member of Ranelagh for a couple of months in the spring of 2009, when I volunteered to help at the Ranelagh Richmond Half marathon. From what I recall, it was the only annual half marathon held in Richmond at that time.
I was placed at Old Bridge Street in Hampton Wick to manage the runners arriving from both Teddington Lock and Hampton Court. It was my first time marshalling and I was at one of busiest junctions on the whole course.
It obviously didn't put me off as, roll on a few of years to 2012, I found myself part of the core organising team for the race. I was now organising the volunteers myself, a role I did for 6 consecutive years.
Since retiring from that, I think I have volunteered on the day most years, but I've always in East Twickenham and Ham. This year saw me return to Old Bridge Street, the spot of my first volunteering job for Ranelagh.
The course has changed since I was last there - specifically the Hampton Court loop is no longer part of the course, so there is no management of two way runner traffic. Also, the numbers running the event are not quite as high as they used to be.
Lastly, this point in the course is now later (mile 9, rather than 5) meaning runners are much more spread out. Given all this, the marshaling spot is a bit less frantic than it was the last time I was there.
However, there was still lots to do. Buses were regularly stopping with passengers alighting at the narrowest part of the pavement. I met them with a smile as I managed to prevent any of them stepping into a pack of runners. There were also plenty of pedestrians out for a sunny Sunday stroll. Luckily, both the runners and the general public behaved well and we had no incidents.
When the final runner came through, I moved on to my second role of the day - to take over as tail.
I ran at a very pleasant pace, releasing the marshals as we passed. Over Kingston Bridge, through the town centre, down to the riverside, through Canbury Gardens and to on to the Lower Ham Road. At this point, the tail bikes took over again and I was free to jog back to Teddington Lock and home.
A lovely morning out, supporting Ranelagh Harriers, and keeping runners and others safe and sound. Well done to the core team for another successfully planned and expertly executed Ranelagh Half.
By the way, I've never actually run this event. I really must do it one year. Maybe in 2026.
It was really important to us that our events feel like a celebration of everything that is good about running…
… and our running community, and to join with others to do that.
So, we were delighted to collborate with, and to be able to announce at the start, that we had other clubs & communities supporting our water stations.
We are so grateful to The Stragglers, Fulham Running Club, Bearcats and Goodgym, without who’s support, things would have been so much more challenging.
We also had help from some great individuals and friends, including those whose connection to our club comes externally, and yet they wholeheartedly join in as if they were family.
Diane Stockwell, coached by none other than our James Riley of Run Unbound:
On Sunday 11th May, I volunteered for my first ever marshalling role at the Ranelagh Harriers Half Marathon – and I absolutely loved every second!
I was stationed at the Canbury Gardens junction, where I had the joy of cheering on over 460 runners of all ages and abilities. It was such a privilege to shout encouragement and see the determination, smiles, and spirit of everyone passing by.
The atmosphere was incredible – from the runners and spectators to the cyclists and drivers who were all so kind, patient, and courteous as the race flowed through.
I’ve taken part in a few races myself and always appreciated the marshals who cheered me on when I needed it most.
This was my way of giving back – and I honestly had an absolute blast. I’ll definitely be volunteering again!
The post race celebrations continued with stickers, patches, spot prizes, trophies & Surrey medals…
…presented in a wonderful race village vibe, and it was a joy to see people stick around, relax and debrief together.
The entire event was made possible through great partnerships with our sponsors and supporters; a partnership that stems from a shared passion for our sport.
Our gratitude therefore to
The Park Brewery, and
We are hugely proud to have the opportunity to work with a great team on a great event, to support each other and to host and collaborate with others for the good of our sport.
THANK YOU.
Race report by Ed Perry & Narissa Vox
💙 Full results: https://results.racetimingsolutions.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16269&RId=22095&EId=1&dt=0
💛 Ranelagh results: RanelaghHalf2025.ClubResults.pdf
💙 Photos: Emma de Heveningham @emmadeh
