Oh Deer! (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Oh Deer!

10:40am Wednesday 4th August 2010 in YOUR Richmond News

By Community Correspondent Richard Sharp

The 30th 7k Charity ‘Wedding Race’ took place in Bushy Park on Friday 30th July. Over 500 runners took part in this ever popular event organised by Stragglers. As always, the race caused a few double-takes because a few runners took the fancy dress competition as seriously as those chasing their personal best time.

The sight of a bride with her bridesmaids running amongst the grazing deer was just a bit bizarre. Natalie O’Rourke, who runs the Park Lane Stables in Teddington, got out her wedding dress and adapted it by raising the front and attaching the train one arm to make running a little easier to run in. Three of the Pony Club’s helpers Jess, Hannah and Jasmin joined in and dressed as Natalie’s bridesmaids. “But Oh Dear,” said Natalie, “I soon realised that not many others were in costume but at least the vicar was there!”

Natalie and her friend Mike won the best fancy dress prize and a bottle of champagne each. There were prizes for the various race categories including a special ‘30th race cake’.

A children’s 1.5km race split into age categories was held at the same time as the main race for those with shorter legs. Several local charities benefited from the sponsorship raised by the runners.