The history-filled land around Runnymede also has a long association as a recreation spot. In particular, the locality became well-known for the Egham Races, which were held annually from 1734 all the way through to the 1880s.
Originally a horse racing event held over three days in the Egham Meadow, the increasingly popular event had moved to Runnymede by the 1770s. Additional prizes were added to the horse racing occasion to celebrate the move to the landmark location, including the King John Plate and the Magna Carta Plate.
As well as horse racing, other forms of entertainment were added to the schedule of the Egham Races, including cock fighting, refreshment stands and a ball at the Red Lion pub in Egham, which is also where all horses were registered to compete in the races. The Egham Races became so popular, royalty started attending too, and a coach service was put on to bring revellers from central London to the event.