The Green Belt Relay dates for 2022 have been confirmed as Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 May. With a two year gap due to Covid, we're very much looking forward to staging the race once again. Below is general information about what to expect. 

The Stragglers are the proud organisers of the Green Belt Relay which has been running since 1995.  For many Stragglers and for other clubs this is one of the highlights of the running calendar.

What is the Green Belt Relay?
In a 'nutshell' the Green Belt Relay is a 22-stage running relay race around 220 miles of the Green Belt around the outside of London over a single weekend. 

Route
It starts at Hampton Court Palace on Saturday morning and runs in a clockwise direction around outer London finishing back at the Hawker Centre in Kingston late Sunday afternoon.  It runs through Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Kent and Surrey!  The course mainly follows footpaths, towpaths or minor roads and is generally very scenic. The longest leg is just over half marathon distance.

Teams
Runners form teams of 11 people, and each runner runs one stage on Saturday and one stage on Sunday.  Although the race is a relay, each stage starts at a fixed time (i.e. a staggered relay race). 

This year there will be three Stragglers’ teams: ladies, men's and vets (who are the defending champions in this catagory), the field is usually around 50 teams.

Navigation
Maps are provided for each of the stages, and the course is mapped out on the View Ranger app.  The course is marked wherever possible and there are marshals at road crossings, but sometimes there is the need to check the map to confirm the route. In addition race director Peter Kennedy has produced Youtube guide videos for each stage.

Recommended fitness levels to take part
Whilst the stages vary in distance and terrain, as you have to run on both days you should generally be fit to half-marathon distance.  Stages are graded 1 to 10 (10 being the hardest), and we do aim to give team members stages they are comfortable with. You should expect to cover around 20 miles across the two days.

Stage allocations
As well as taking into consideration fitness levels, we will try to allocate legs that fit in with other plans you have over the weekend.

Accommodation
For those wanting to make a weekend of it, or are running later on the Saturday over in Essex, we hope to be able to have accommodation booked in Chelmsford. Those who stayed over in previous years had a great time.

Entry fee
To run, will cost £25 (excellent price for two runs!), and you receive a GBR tee-shirt.  If you do wish to stay over in Chelmsford, the hotel cost is around £40.

Further details
More details about the relay can be found on the race website

To enter
If you would like to run or would like to find out more information, contact Simon Webb