Club Relay Events

In amongst the hundreds of individual races over the course of a year there are a smattering of team relay events. Some of these are serious mountain challenges, others long-established local classics, but they all promise a great day out with an atmosphere unlike anything else on the racing calendar.

As a club we've taken part in pretty much every relay across the north of England and occasionally beyond. Many of these are suitable for runners of any ability, although a couple are only really for runners with significant mountain or navigation experience. Read on to find out more about them all.

Calderdale Way Relay

17 May 2020   6 legs (all pairs)   52 miles, 12000ft

A great local relay starting and finishing near Halifax, it takes in the full Calderdale Way loop around the hills of the Calderdale valley. The route is almost entirely trails and tracks, although it's certainly helpful to reccie your leg beforehand so you don't lose any time on the day. It has a really friendly feel and even a baton to carry and pass on as you go! Full FRA kit may be required depending on the weather.

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Bradford Millennium Way Relay

14 June 2020   5 legs (all pairs)   47 miles, 6300ft

A largely trail-based route with a few short but stiff climbs along the way. Starting from and returning to Bingley taking in Wilsden, Denholme, Oxenhope, Haworth, Oakworth, Steeton, Silsden, Addingham and Ilkley with some stunning scenery en-route. Full FRA kit may be required depending on the weather.

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Witton Park Trail Relay

25 June 2020   3 legs (all solo)   6.9 miles, 1350ft

Three identical loops starting in Witton Park, climbing to the top of Billinge Woods before dropping back into the park. Each lap is 2.3 miles with 450ft ascent. The route is fully marked and extensively marshalled on trail and off-road paths. Suitable for both seniors and juniors, this is a great team relay.

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Hodgson Brothers Mountain Relay

4 October 2020   4 legs (all pairs)   25 miles, 8000ft

This is generally regarded as the toughest relay event on the calendar. Plenty of steep and rocky climbs, tough terrain, and given it's in Cumbria the weather is more often bad than good. It's in a different league to the Pendle and Pennines area so if the clag is down knowing how to use a map and compass is essential. Full FRA kit to be carried.

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British Fell Relay Championships

17 October 2020 (Howgills)   4 legs (2 solo, 1 pair, 1 nav pair)   Distance and ascent varies

The top of the crop attracting teams from across the country, this can prove a stern test for experienced off-road runners. In recent years it has taken place in the Lake District, Scotland, Pendle, North Wales, Shropshire and the Yorkshire Dales. Navigation capability is essential, particularly on the paired orienteering leg, and the more fell running experience you have the better. Full FRA kit to be carried.

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Lee Mill Fell Relay

29 November 2020   4 laps (all solo)   27 miles

A fairly testing course with some long and steep climbs and ascents over a lot of heathery and boggy ground. Can be pretty bleak in poor weather so it's good to know where you're going as you're running on your own. Unusually a single loop and all participants run solo. Full FRA kit may be required depending on the weather.

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Gathering Winter Fools

Mid December 2020 (TBC)   4 legs (all pairs)  

This is a feel good off-road relay where folk are encouraged to don fancy dress and there's a prize for the most wacky or elaborate baton, which must make it around the course. Although the route is off-road there are lengthy stretches of trail, towpath or Tarmac, but a reccie is certainly suggested as no single waymarked path is followed. Given the time of year expect all weathers! Full FRA kit may be required depending on the weather.