Nicky Buley, our Community Growing Project Co-ordinator is no stranger to races, having ran the Dublin and Brighton marathons – but that was 10 years ago, she says. In terms of preparing for the race, Nicky hasn’t done any running for a long time, so she’s just getting used to doing short distances at the moment. And as for top tip for recovery after a 10k – a cold pint!
You can support Nicky’s fundraiser here.
This is the second time Alex Baker, our Learning & Community Engagement Officer has signed up for a 10k race, but probably the first time he will stop running at the 10k mark – in 2022 in Bogota, he ran an accidental half marathon. He says: “I signed up for a 10km but due to traffic I had to jump out of the car and join the half marathon!” Alex is preparing for the race by doing some trail runs around Hackney Marshes and Walthamstow Wetlands. He loves being in nature when running and Hackney Marshes has some great riverside paths to explore. As for recovery after the race, he recommends a pint or three and a huge dinner – a roast would be his choice!
You can support Alex’s fundraiser here.
For Paddy Hayes, our Education & Lifelong Learning Manager, the Richmond Runfest will be the first organised run he’s taking part in, although he’s walked a marathon in West Cork a few years ago. He is looking forward to the collective buzz in September. Paddy is working up his stamina around Crystal Palace Park which is local to him, mostly focusing on distance targets rather than time. And what is Paddy’s top tip for recovery? “Resist the temptation to sit still the next day, and swap the bike for a Lime bike for a few days!” – he says.
You can support Paddy’s fundraiser here.
We have partnered with local osteopath Robyn Phillips who has kindly provided our runners with this downloadable advice sheet.
If our staff have inspired you, why not sign up to the race yourself? We’ve still got charity places for the 10k, half marathon and marathon distances to the September 2025 Richmond Runfest – all the information can be found on this page.
Published on: 17 June 2025