16 Sep 2002 - 01 Jan 2003
Deer and Runners
Richmond Park

On Sunday 22nd September 20,000 people will be running the Nike 10k in Richmond Park and special rules are being enforced to give the resident deer priority on the roads.

The park covers 2350 acres and the 600 resident deer don't like large crowds. Nonetheless special precautions mean that should any deer wish to cross the road whilst there are runners on it, the runners will have to stop in their tracks.

"We'll be keeping an eye on the deer throughout the course of the event," says Simon Richards, Richmond Park Manager. "We don't expect them to come close to the race itself but we've made this ruling as a precaution. The deer have been here for hundreds of years so they've definitely got the right of way."

Source:
The Royal Parks

For further information contact:
The Royal Parks Press Office T: 020 7298 2128 E: press@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk