Friday 31 July 2026 at 7:30pm
The race starts in…
Welcome to the Wedding Day 7K Race, organised by The Stragglers running club. We’re looking forward to hosting the 44th running of the race on Friday 31 July 2026, starting at 7:30pm in Bushy Park.To find out more about the race, please use the buttons above for race information, course details and entries.We look forward to seeing you there!This event is held in association with The Stragglers, please click on the yellow button below to find out more.
31st JULY 2026
in support of
and
Course Map
1981- HRH Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer were married. The Royal Wedding took place on the 29th July and the day declared a public holiday.In celebration the nation organised street parties and community events throughout the land.The nuptials, when announced, coincided with the embryonic emergence of mass participation running initiated by the arrival of the New York Marathon and the 1981 First London Marathon.The so-called new breed of running clubs started to appear at this time, one of which was the London Road Runners Club (LLRC), and it was from their original officers Lynn and Dave Billington, Lesley Watson, Lawrence Brampton and Will Chapman that the idea of a Royal Wedding Day Race was generated.Lynn and Dave Billington took up the challenge of organising the event with a group of running friends who met at The Star public House in Hampton Hill Middlesex. They initially considered that it should be a 10k race within Bushy Park adjacent to the pub and it is of course a Royal Park and therefore most appropriate.However legend has it that whilst running around the park to find an appropriate 10k course they decided that certain decisions needed to be reviewed and so returned to The Star for ‘refreshment’ and further discussion. The longer the refreshment went on the more they decided that perhaps what they had was enough and the Wedding Day 7k was born.The first race was won by AFD’s Neil Blaney with Kathy Binns of Sale taking the womens title.The race was organised by LRRC for a couple more years with assistance from The Stragglers Running Club who eventually took over the running of the event in 1985, we believe.The 1981 event was an instant success and has been well supported ever since maintaining its Wedding Day theme. Indeed, it has celebrated Will and Kate’s Wedding in 2011 and last year featured that of Harry and Meghan.Over the years the race has seen many illustrious names amongst its winners. The early years had international athletes Grenville Tuck, Bernie Ford, Peter Clarke, Jon Solly, Gary Staines, Richard Nerurkar and Sam Haughian. Previous women winners include Margret Mottram, Marina Samy, Ann Ford, Paula Fudge. The more recent
international performers such as Craig Mottram, Scott Overall and Sonia O’Sullivan have taken the honours. Sonia, though a regular women's race winner, has also been on one occasion the only lady to also be an overall race winner. We have also seen many other fine club athletes win.Mo Farah won the Junior race here on two occasions and Scott Overall has won at both junior and senior levels.As like most things in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic the race was not run. Instead in 2020 we had a virtual race ‘The secret 7k’. We came back to organising the 40th event in 2022 and continuing this strong tradition of the Wedding Day 7K (WD7K).Keith Haworth had been instrumental to the organisation of the WD7K and spent most of that time as the Run Director. He had been running with The Stragglers since before they were called The Stragglers. He ran the first Wedding Day and only missed one. He was instrumental in taking over the organisation when the London Road Runners ceased. Sadly, Keith passed away just after the race in 2023, we believe he wanted to make sure it was in safe hands to continue this fantastic tradition and his great legacy. I hope we make you proud.Which brings us to the 44th race in 2026, where we hope to continue to see old running friends who love this race and new friends.
Results
We use Sport Systems, who provide a full registration and race administration service: entrants, timing and results service at our races. Soon after the race you will be able to find your results on the Sport System website. You can also see in the links below the results from the last few years.
Legal bit
Disability and accessibilityThe organisers are committed to making the Wedding Day 7K as inclusive and accessible as reasonably possible. All participants, including those requiring support, must comply with UK Athletics competition rules and the event’s safety requirements. For safety reasons, the organisers reserve the right to assess any requests for specialised equipment or support on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the nature of the course, the event environment, and the safety of all participants and park users.
If you require reasonable adjustments or assistance. Please contact the organisers in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be discussed where possible.Examples of Support Available:
• Guide runners for visually impaired participants may be permitted and can be offered free entry, subject to prior agreement with the organisers.
• Participants who are deaf or hard of hearing may request additional support, including assistance with pre-race briefings and start procedures.
• Participants who are neurodivergent may request reasonable adjustments in advance; for example, the use of bone conduction headphones, subject to approval in line with UK Athletics guidance.
• Organisers will make reasonable efforts to provide clear pre-event information (including route, timings, and key instructions) to support all participants.
• Dogs are not permitted, except where an exemption has been granted by the Race Director for a medical assistance dog.
• The current course within Bushy Park includes shared pathways and conditions that may not be suitable for all mobility aids. At present, the organisers consider the route unsuitable for wheelchair racing due to safety considerations. However, the organisers are happy to discuss individual circumstances with prospective participants to assess suitability wherever possible.Commitment
The organisers are committed to working positively with participants to support inclusion, while ensuring that the safety and wellbeing of all runners, volunteers, and members of the public remain paramount.
Cancellation & Refund PolicyThe organisers reserve the right to cancel, postpone, or amend the event due to circumstances beyond their reasonable control. In the unlikely event that the Wedding Day 7K is cancelled or abandoned due to circumstances beyond the organisers’ control (including, but not limited to, extreme weather, public safety concerns, or instruction from local authorities), the organisers shall not be liable for any costs incurred by participants.The organisers reserve the right to offer a partial refund or no refund. Any refund offered will be at the discretion of the organisers and will reflect costs already incurred.While cancellation is extremely unlikely, the safety of runners, volunteers and the public will always be our priority.The organisers are committed to making the Wedding Day 7K as inclusive and accessible as reasonably possible.If you require reasonable adjustments or assistance. Please contact the organisers in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be discussed where possible. Guide runners supporting visually impaired participants may be permitted to run free of charge.Photography and MediaBy entering the Event, participants consent to the use of photographs, video, or recordings taken during WD7K for promotional, social media or reporting purposes by the organisers without compensation. Participants who do not wish to appear in photographs or recordings should notify the organisers at least one week in advance.
Course DistanceThe course distance is 7km and has been professionally measured in accordance with official standards.
Certificate of Course Accuracy: 2026-093
Event Licence number: 30792
Wedding Day 7K is a fully accredited and licenced event. See documentation below:
Contact
Get in TouchIf you have any questions about the Wedding Day 7K, please get in touch using the form below.We’re a volunteer-run event, so while we aim to respond as quickly as possible, please allow a little time for a reply.Before contacting us, you may find the answer in our Race Day Information section.ADD YOUR EMAIL TO FORM
Race Number & Timing Chip
You will pick up your race number and timing chip on the day. Packs will be distributed on the grass outside if dry, and in the clubhouse if wet. They will be ready from 6pm onwards.
These are in alphabetical order by surname and there will be four stations - A-D, E-K, L-R and S-Z. Rather than having a single long queue please line up in the queue correspondent to your surname. Pins are included in your pack to pin your race number to the front of your t-shirt.Your timing chip is in its own envelope with a couple of ties. These are within the race pack. There are instructions as how to attach the chip on the chip envelope.Chip Return - Don’t disappear with your chip. There will be people in orange bibs to help you remove the chip. If you find you still have your chip please hand it in at the club house.
Prizes
Prizes will be awarded to the first: three senior men and women,
First Juniors
First M35, M45, M55, M65 and W35, W45, W55 and W65.
First local man and woman (TW11, TW12),
Team Competitions for men and women,
1st Straggler woman and man
and Mob Match Plate.Winners are eligible to receive no more than one individual prize.
What happens if I cannot take part?
If you are unable to run and you would like to transfer your entry to another runner then please download the form below and email to enquiries@sportsystems.co.uk
Medical Conditions
If you have a medical condition that will need consideration should you be taken ill during the race, please write the details on the back of your race number. If you feel unwell before the race, or have not been well for a few days prior to the event, please do not start; remember there is always another year and another race.
Children's Fun Run
The informal children’s fun run will start from approx 7.35pm shortly after the start of the main race. Assemble close to main race start and listen for announcements.
Spectators
Cannon Gate - spectators cannot access. Only runners and race marshals will be able to pass through the gate. Spectators will need to enter Bushy Park via one of the other public gates. There are plenty of great viewing spots where you can see runners multiple times. Depending on which gate you choose, the walk is approximately 0.7 to 1.8 km.
| Run Distance | Distance for spectators from the Start | Location ///what3words | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 min | ///public.amount.social | Limited space for spectators on the grass alongside the fence. |
| 2km | 1.4km | ///posts.speak.taps | Near the pedestrian entrance to The Pheasantry. |
| 3.6km/6km | 1km | ///palm.petty.pinks | A great opportunity to see the runners twice. |
| 4.5km | 1.8km | ///stow.resist.estate | Best location for spectators coming from the Hampton Hill area. |
| 5.5km | 0.7km | ///struck.awake.every | The closest viewing point to the start area. |
Race Charities
The Purple Elephant Project is a children’s mental health charity working across the London Boroughs of Richmond and Hounslow.Every week they support over 100 children and their families with therapeutic interventions such as Play therapy and Art Therapy.They provide support for children and their families affected by attachment, developmental trauma or life experiences. Through specialist therapeutic services, they work to transform lives; enabling children to reach their full potential and a brighter future.
We are a community resource helping people with special needs to enjoy the fun of cycling, by offering unique access to a range of specialised cycles in Bushy Park, a beautiful park on the southwest edge of Greater London. Our hire scheme is available to individuals with special needs, families and special needs organisations (e.g. schools, day centres or clubs for people with disabilities). We can arrange both “one-off” visits for groups or regular weekly sessions. Please read on to find out more about us and what we do.
Welcome to the Image Gallery which has a repository of this year's race as well as previous years. We are in the process of building this out to showcase images from years gone by. Stragglers' photographer Ray Cockle has done a splendid job of documenting this race over the years.
Couples Prize
PrizesPrizes will be awarded to:• First three men and women• First Junior (man and woman)
You must be born on or after 1 January 2007.• First M35, M45, M55 and M65
• First W35, W45, W55 and W65
Masters categories are determined by age on race day.• First local man and woman (TW11, TW12)
You must reside within TW11 or TW12 on race day.• Team competitions (4 men and women)You must have entered your club name during registration.
The winning team will be determined by the aggregate points of the 4 scoring runners.• 1st Straggler (man and woman)
Must be a first claim Straggler on race day.• Mob Match Plate
Awarded to the club with the highest number of runners.
The Stragglers RC are excluded from this prize.All prizes are awarded based on gun time (finish order).
Chip time is provided for personal reference only.Winners are eligible to receive no more than one individual prize.The Race Director’s decision is final in all matters relating to prize eligibility.
WD7K Kids RunAlongside the Wedding Day 7K, there will also be a fun kids run on the same evening organised by The Stragglers Running Club as part of their junior race series.It's a great opportunity for younger runners to be part of the WD7K race evening.
Distances and agesThere are two races available:Short run (Under 5s) - around 500mLong run (Ages 5–15) - around 1500mBoth races take place on the grass area in front of the clubhouse at Bushy Park Sports Club.
WhenThe kids run takes place on the same evening as the Wedding Day 7K.Exact timings and registration details are managed by The Stragglers, so please check their page for the latest information.
LocationBushy Park Sports Club
Pavilion Road
Teddington
TW11 0EL
Great for familiesThe kids run takes place during the main Wedding Day 7K race and is always a fun part of the evening for families.The children’s race starts at approximately 19:35, shortly after the main race has begun. Parents must stay with their children while their children take part.Once the children have finished their run, families can then enjoy the atmosphere at Bushy Park Sports Club and cheer on friends and family members taking part in the main race.Bring a picnic, enjoy the social BBQ and make an evening of it.Registration is organised directly by The Stragglers Running Club.Please visit their page for full details and registration instructions.
The Wedding Day 7K would not be possible without the help of our fantastic volunteers. Each year a team of friendly marshals and helpers support the race to ensure everything runs smoothly and safely for our runners.Whether you are a member of Stragglers, a local runner taking a rest day, or simply someone who would like to be part of the event atmosphere, we would love your help.If you would like to help, please complete the volunteer sign-up form:Sign up hereIf you have any questions about volunteering, please contact us and we will answer any questions you might have.
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Social: Picnic, BBQ a barWe really encourage everyone to stay afterwards and enjoy the social at BPSC.There will be:
• The bar will be open until 11:30pm
• A chance to purchase a burger off the BBQ or a slightly healthier chicken with rice along with a veggie option. Please DO NOT bring your own BBQ as this could jeopardise future events.It’s always one of the best parts of the day!Please see below the menu for the nightThe event organisers accept no responsibility for any food prepared, brought, shared, or consumed by individuals at the event.