UK Olympic marathon trials to be hosted at Kew Gardens

Having updated their selection policies for the postponed Tokyo Olympics, British Athletics have confirmed that the Olympic Games marathon trial event will take place on a multi-lap course in Kew Gardens in the coming spring.

Taking place on Friday 26 March, the trials will effectively become part of the Richmond Runfest event, already scheduled to run on 27 and 28 March.

Typically the London Marathon is used for selecting Olympians. However, the 2020 race had to be cancelled because of the Coronavirus lockdown. And, with no 2021 event planned until October, this (we assume) meant that British Athletics had to find a suitable alternative.

The Kew venue wasn't the only course considered. Others, including Dorney Lake and various motor racing and horse racing venues were also looked at. However, being able to easily incorporate the trials into an existing event, as well as recent experience of hosting Covid-secure 10K races, no doubt helped the decision in favour of the Kew course.

As well as Olympic trials, the British marathon championships for 2021 will run simultaneously. Having joined Richmond Runfest events in the past, and knowing some of the race team, we are sure it will all go well.