‼️FINAL REMINDER ‼️
The Ridgeway Relay – Sunday 22nd June 2025
Please reply to Graham before end of day on Thursday so we can submit our teams
NOTE THIS IS NOT FATHER’S DAY THIS YEAR!
For the 15th year, Alchester Running Club has been invited to take part in this year’s Ridgeway Relay – a race that is quite simply one of the best team events in the running calendar!
The Ridgeway Relay is an invitation-only team relay organised by Marlborough Running Club which is run along The Ridgeway – one of England’s National Trails covering 86.5 miles from Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire to Overton Hill near Marlborough.
Here are the key answers to what we think will be your burning questions about the race.
What is it? It’s a team relay run across 89 miles of the Ridgeway. It starts at 07:30 at Ivinghoe Beacon and finishes at approximately 7pm in Marlborough.
When is it? Sunday 22nd June 2025
How far would I have to run? The course is broken down into 10 legs of varying distances. They range from 5.5 miles to 11 miles.
Who can run? All abilities are encouraged and able to take part – it’s an event for everyone no matter your pace or running ability! The only thing we do require is that you must have renewed your membership for 2025/26 to take part.
How much is it? It’s absolutely free to you – the club pay the entry fee!
Can I choose which leg I run? We will try and put people on their preferred leg but it can’t be guaranteed.
What’s the terrain like? Scenic, off road, hilly, uneven and very challenging.
Is it marshalled? There are some marshals at key points on some legs but mostly you’re on your own for navigating your way along your leg.
How do I know where I’m going? Practice – we ask everyone who wants to run to practice their leg at least twice before the day. Please don’t sign up if you cannot commit to practicing your leg prior to race day. We’ve always been well prepared with maps, recces and running apps so it’s unlikely you will get lost.
How are the teams made up? When we have the list of names we will split them into teams.
What if I put my name down and then can’t do it? Please let us know ASAP so we can find a replacement. This is a team event so we need all ten runners to count.
Will I be running with anyone else? Legs 1, 7 & 10 have mass starts so if you’re on one of these legs, you’ll at least start with other people. If you run one of the other legs it’s highly likely you will be running alone.
How do I know what time I’ll be running?When we have all the names, we will send out a logistics schedule which has everyone’s contact details and time they need to arrive at the start of their leg.
How do the logistics of getting to the start and back from the end of my leg work?You drop your car off at the end of your leg and get a lift to the start. Runners on the same leg usually help with this.
Are there “facilities” at the start of each leg? Legs 2, 5 and 10 have facilities available, but the other legs don’t. There are plenty of trees and hedges about but please be discreet.
What happens after the race? We go to the pub for a well-deserved drink (and often have a meal too!)
Other things to note:
This event is very different to other races where you can simply follow the person in front of you, but if you like running off road with stunning scenery, this event really should be considered!
If running, you don’t need to stay out all day, but can run your leg and go, however, it is a great team atmosphere and so supporting the team is highly encouraged and would be greatly appreciated by your teammates!
You can find more information about the event from Marlborough’s website here.
If you would like to take part, help out, captain a team or have any further questions feel free to contact Graham Grieve with the title RIDGEWAY RELAY – please do not reply to any other Alchester email as it may be missed.