British Athletics 

Following the publication of the updated Tokyo Selection Policies last month, UK Athletics can now confirm the Olympic Games marathon trial event will take place on a multi-lap course at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, on Friday 26 March 2021.

The venue was selected due to its ability to minimize issues that may arise as a result of the current pandemic. Following lengthy consultations across a host of stakeholders, the need to stage a race that could continue to be deemed viable under the potential of tightening Covid restrictions was a priority. Feedback on the course continues to be collated, with some alterations and recommendations following consultation already being implemented. A confirmed course map will be published at the conclusion of this exercise.

The event, organised by Richmond RUNFEST on behalf of British Athletics will tap into the expertise of former London Marathon race Director David Bedford as Technical Director, with Tom Bedford as Race Director and will also double as the British Marathon Championships for 2021.

Entry is via invitation only and will be sent out by the end of November. Men and women’s races will be run separately with limited entries (circa 30 per gender) due to Covid restrictions.