Runners participating in the upcoming Richmond Running Festival will get a chance to test themselves against four Olympic athletes.

The event, which starts in Kew Gardens and finishes in Old Deer Park, takes place on September 22 and comprises of a 10km, half marathon and children’s races.

London 2012 Olympians Scott Overall and Chris Thompson will lead the elite male category, with Overall competing in the Visit Richmond Half Marathon as part of his preparations for the Berlin marathon on September 29.

Thompson will look to take top spot in the Kew Gardens 10km race.

The 2010 European silver medallist was excited to get under way, and said: “It’s great to have this new event on my doorstep, I train in Richmond during the summer season but I have never run in Kew gardens before. I am just coming off a season break but I’ll certainly be doing my best to sit on the winner’s throne.”

Thompson’s plans will be under threat by another world-class competitor, Mike Skinner.

Skinner has previously represented Great Britain in world cross country and European championships.

Sonia O’Sullivan, Irish 5,000m silver medal winner at the 2000 Olympic Games, will fire the starter pistol. She will be joined by 2008 GB Olympic athlete Steph Twell and Richmond MP Zac Goldsmith.

Sonia and Steph will then compete in the 10k and will be supporting two local charities – Shooting Star Chase and the Mo Farah Foundation.

One of the favourites to take the crown in the women’s race is 2011 European U23 cross country champion Emma Pallant.

For more information, visit richmondrunningfestival.com.