A community running event is coming to Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, on Saturday, 14 February 2026. The “Roses Are Red” Valentine’s Run, organised by Phoenix Running Ltd, invites people of all fitness levels to take part in a challenge along the River Thames.
The event starts near the Elmbridge Xcel Leisure Complex and uses a flat towpath that heads toward Hampton Court. Unlike many races with a fixed distance, this is a 7-hour timed event: participants have seven hours to run as little or as much as they like. Each lap is 3.28 miles (5.3 km); runners can finish after one lap to receive a finisher’s medal (a 5k) or keep going for longer distances.
There are no road closures planned for the day because the entire route stays on the public towpath. Local residents may see more people than usual walking or running along the river between Walton and Molesey. Organisers ask participants to use the leisure-centre car park and not to park on residential side streets such as Waterside Drive to minimise impact.
Interested runners can sign up for the event through EventEntry. The organisers have designed the run to be low-pressure and welcoming for everyone from beginners to experienced athletes.
Registration on the morning of the event opens at 8:30 AM, with a mandatory briefing at 9:20 AM and the run starting at 9:30 AM. A snack (aid) station will be set up along the route providing water, sweets and cakes for participants.
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