Due to the weather conditions some of the track was a little difficult to maneuver with mud, puddles and pedestrians to get around in the middle section. Overall it was a nice route, even only being an out and back track.

Why the course passes the finish line where you have to run past and turn around. The weather didnt help but thought the course lacked support and at times held up at the start because the course was too narrow for the number of runners, funnel the start to make it better

I stayed to cheer my friends across the line and was disappointed that the DJ stopped before they had all finished. If the music was still playing that would encourage more people to stay at the finish line too.

In previous years I have been able to shower after the race, I was disappointed the changing rooms we were shown to this time had no showers.

The path is narrow in places so you do need to look out for other path users

Would be nice to have something to run round at the turns!

David is extremely good at making runners (from all over the world) feel welcome… and his helpers and marshals are among the friendliest on the running scene.

The only thing I didn't like was the last 3k or so - going back the other way having just passed the finish line! It would be much better to have the first turnaround a bit further along - at 10k or so, then a much shorter turnaround at the end. All in all really enjoyed it - marshals were lovely, great refreshments at good intervals. Glad I chose it for my first half.

It would be good if the final loop towards Kingston could be replaced with a loop of the parks at the Putney end.

For a flat out-and-back this was actually more challenging then I expected due to the varied terrain. And the weather, but that just added to the experience. Thanks for a great day, I’m planning to come again next year.

Route: was scenic with natural beauty
Accuracy of course: My GPS showed the FM was 43.2 kms, i have also checked the earlier reviews which mentioned the same. I think you should correct this.
Hospitality and water stations: Water stations at every 5 kms was good with good amount electrolytes, gels, bars, etc.
Finish line: You should provide some snacks at the finish line in a bag.
Baggage counter: Well managed
Registration counter: well managed
Route markings: There were some diversions where there were no markings. You could have kept volunteers at that place of kept the markings.
Medical: At the finish line i was not able to find reli sprays, which is a must at the finish line.
Overall a good experience.

The only things I would say could be improve were the turning points were a bit anticlimactic without a loop, and the last 3k you had to run past the finish line with everyone celebrating and collecting their medals and run really far down to come back again - should have just ran further up the other way to Kew and come back straight to the finish rather than past the finish line - again a bit anticlimactic and torturous at that point in the run! But the army guys on the drinks stalls were amazing and really friendly!

It says on your notes that there is space for 120 cars in the car park. However, we were asked to move as there were no spaces for runners. Fortunately my husband was dropping me off but had I been driving that would have added to the stress.

Thank you

I’ve done this route 3x times, twice as mara and once as half. Always a great mix of super friendly runners and camaraderie. Strongly recommend if it’s your marathon duck or your 500th.

Aid stations were well run and supported

Excellent feed stations, helpful and enthusiastic volunteers. Good facilities for spectators at the Y. A great day out!

Liked the cups with electrolytes - seemed to go down better than water.
The towpath is now better around Ham, but still a bit rough in other places. Also a bit narrow, but the smaller field meant this wasn't a big issue.

First Thames Meander and happy overall with the organisation and atmosphere. Only downside was that there were no distance markers, even one half way would have been extremely helpful. Drinks/snacks at the finish would have been better placed on the opposite side of the track. Crossing in front of runners who still had 5k to go was a shame.
Excellent work from the people who organised the registration and sorted all the bags!!

Runners at the back could not hear the briefing

Many runners wore headphones and I was under the impression these were not allowed, otherwise I would have had mine

I did enjoy it though and it was lovely to be back in my hometown