21 runners...no wait 20. Hold on 22, man we are off to a great start to FIGHT THE GUM DISEASE arent' we but we managed to count to 21 in the end and the invisible gg runner left us (maybe to return on Halloween - GUMbelievable some might say!).

The warm up was fast and furious, many would have followed the invisible man after just that section but not the 21 of us stuck on doing good. Let's have at it ' C'mon all of CHEW' was the shout as we set off. Our task was to make circle chalk shapes around chewing gum that gets deposited onto our Twickenham streets rather than binned like it ought to be. This task was is in association with keep Britain tidy and the council run campaign to bin it your way and involved us also appealing to the good nature of the local shops to promote the campaign by displaying the posters and stickers in their windows and businesses. A big thanks to those who got on board.

GUM off it! Let's keep our streets clean #goodgym #running #fitness #volunteering #richmond #twickenham #council #LBRUT #Mondays pic.twitter.com/bx64rH7Q51

— GoodGym Richmond (@GGRichmon) October 15, 2018

As for the streets of Richmond borough I was in mild shock at just how many circles we got down. Our legs were filling with lactate fast as we squatted countless times to reach the pavement... such a shame really with so many bins around the borough it seems such an effort to make it to one to be able to dispose of the gum. Seems like some are biting off more than they can chew if they can't do the decent thing. Still our chalk was the talk of the town as locals inquired and admitted too that they never realised just how bad the situation was. So it seemed to be having the desired effect. After a group photo with Lynette from the council and a farewell to the owner of a local kebab shop who kindly decided to support the cause and join in we made short work of our last few kilometres back to Richmond 'CHEW' complete the 7km run.

Well done all another success chalked up to Goodgym and an honour to run with you! A big shout out to Louisa, Alex, Poppy and Nansi on the 2nd run out with GG. Great to congratulate Remy in person on her marathon completion and drum roll round of applause for our awesome Kate who made 50 runs tonight. Legend in Richmond.

Back markers Jen and Jenny so well done especially after the half marathon yesterday. Thank you

Good luck Holly on Sunday

Next week we join Samia as run leader helping ETNA and RCVS.