Richmond’s hugely popular two-day running festival basked in sunshine at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Gardens.

8,000 runners laced up for Richmond RUNFEST, joined by family members and friends. 3,000 runners took on the Kew Gardens 10k, with Michael Shelley crowned King of Richmond (finish time 30:21). Joining Michael on the podium as Queen of Richmond was 23-year-old, Rebecca Murray in 34.40.

Michael said: “It’s my first time here at RUNFEST, the course is beautiful. It’s flat so I ran as hard as I could. The twists and turns took some mastering but I’m pleased with my result. It really is an incredible event, the organisation, marshals and spectator support is unreal.”

The brand-new Richmond 5km, Pirate Run saw Imogen Parker-Elms, 14 from Twickenham, take the win in a time of 20:45: “I loved it, such a fun atmosphere with the pirates and mermaids. I can’t believe I won”

2,700 laced up for Sunday’s half marathon with Ollie Garrod of Epsom and Ewell Harriers taking the win in 01:10:42. In first spot for the women’s race was Phillipa Williams, 25, crossing the line in 01.21.53.

The marathon treated 1,000 runners to one of London’s most scenic 26.2 routes, described by one finisher as “not just a race, a platform where people share a love story that is beyond any imagination. We run together, sweat together, experience all sorts of pains together but we never stop encouraging each other.”

Nick Earl, City of Norwich Athletics Club took the win in 02:32:33, he said: “I’m blown away by the event, the atmosphere was amazing, and I have to say the volunteers made it! I kept to my race strategy for the full 26 miles, so I’m pleased. I’m training for the Melbourne marathon in just a few weeks’ time, so this event was perfect for me.”

Joining Nick on the winners’ thrones was Melissa Gibson (race time 02:59:51), she said: “I’m so happy to sneak under the 3-hour mark. I’ve run 60 marathons now with 8 of them under 3 hours. Finishing third in yesterday’s 10k race with a PB, I am chuffed with my performance. Richmond RUNFEST really is a treat of a race.”

Great Ormond Street Hospital fundraiser and half marathon runner, Eleanor Eden, 23 from Balham said: “When I was younger I received so much support from the team at Great Ormond Street and I wanted to give something back. I feel lucky to be able to enjoy running and seeing people not as fortunate as me at the hospital, it really hits home, I want to do all I can to help. I’m on my way to fundraising £1,000 from this event.”