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Photos - Leg 1

The Start in 2002

Leg 1 - the GBR start is as spectacular as any race in the country - in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace. The route crosses Hampton Court Bridge and onto the Thames towpath.

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Leg 1 - runs alongside the Thames passing Molesey Lock, Swan Island and on the opposite bank the imposing Hampton House (bought by the actor David Garrick in 1754). In the foreground is the ornamental temple that he built and dedicated to Shakespeare.

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The Astoria - Fred Karno's old houseboat and now a recording studio

Leg 1 - continues along the banks of the Thames past the Weir Public House and Sunbury Lock by Elmbridge Leisure Centre

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First 3 runners just after Sunbury Lock in 2005.

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Leg 1 - briefly leaves the Thames to take in the lovely village of Old Shepperton - passing by the parish church and the tempting pubs in the square.

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The Thames Path between Shepperton and Chertsey Bridge

The Thames Court Hotel on the Thames at Shepperton Lock

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Statue of Blanche Heriot on one side of Chertsey Bridge and House Painting on other side.

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Thames Towpath sign at Chertsey Bridge

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Chertsey Bridge at 9 miles and the M3 Bridge over the Thames, shown below, at 9.25 miles.

Camping, picnic, B-B-Q, picnic, swimming, car park and playground area at Laleham Reach

Leg 1 - follows along the Thames to Laleham.  Seen here in January 2001 in flood.

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Laleham is a sleepy riverside village and has much history linked to it.

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Matthew Arnold's grave in Laleham churchyard.

The River Thames from the towpath near Penton Hook Lock

Railway bridge over the Thames just before Staines

The Staines Town Hall (now a pub) backs onto the Thames

On the wall of Staines Town Hall is a plaque remembering The Trafalgar Way and the announcement of Lord Nelson's death. Click on the photo for a larger image so as to read the inscription

A water sculpture next to the river and the Town Hall

Cross the footbridge over the River Colne (where it enters the Thames) and onto the finish, just before Staines Bridge

 

Sue Long of Stragglers with the local Town Crier at the finish in 2005, next to Staines Bridge.