EEH Green Belt Relay 2025

Back on the Belt: Epsom and Ewell Harriers
Return to the Green Belt Relay

Introduction & Background

Race Weekend Experience

Marshalling Duties

Lessons Learned

Photos from the Race

Looking Ahead to 2026

A few videos showing the start / finish of stages

The 2025 Team

The Full Course

Race report written by Neil Henderson (Team Captain)

Introduction & Background

On the weekend of 17–18 May 2025, eleven Epsom and Ewell Harriers took part in the annual Green Belt Relay, a 218-mile race around the perimeter of London, largely following the London Green Belt Way. (More about the route: LDWA London Green Belt Way)

The event, started by the Stragglers Running Club in 1995, has grown in size and popularity with 59 teams entered this year. Surprisingly, despite being a local race, Epsom and Ewell Harriers hadn't entered a team in over two decades. We were set to return in 2020, but like many events that year, it was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Race Weekend Experience

What we found once the race began was far more than we expected. From the very first stage, the support and atmosphere were phenomenal. Rather than simply turning up to run, it quickly became clear that this was a weekend-long celebration of community and camaraderie. The energy at each stage—both at the start and finish—was incredible.

Photo: Start of stage one on Saturday 17th May

Despite some of us juggling other commitments, the team spirit grew steadily over the weekend. By Sunday, several of our runners were supporting teammates at different stages in between racing themselves. The sense of belonging and shared purpose was hard to put into words—it felt like we had joined a travelling community of running enthusiasts, all supporting one another.

That said, we probably underestimated the scale and intensity of the event. Personally, I “took one for the team” by running two of the highest difficulty-rated stages (10/10) on both days—essentially two half marathons with over 700 metres of elevation between them. In hindsight, it might not have been the most strategic decision! More experienced teams had clearly planned stage assignments more tactically to match runners to routes. Our strategy? Whoever was available and able to get to the start line on time!

Alex, Neil and Chris at the start of Stage 1 outside Hampton Court

Marshalling Duties

All teams who enter the race are allocated marshalling duties throughout the weekend to ensure key crossings and turns are safe and runners go the right way!

As the EEH team was a newbie, we were only allocated one duty on Saturday. Chris and Alex were the only two available to complete this duty and this is the obligatory photo they sent to the organisers to let them know they were in place!

Lessons Learned

As a relay, the event is tightly choreographed. Stages are timed to the minute so the fastest runners finish just after the next stage has begun. Most stages had different start and finish areas, though there was one amusing overlap on Sunday where runners finishing came face-to-face with those about to start—a timing quirk that’s expected to be corrected next year.

Looking back, we began the weekend as a group of individuals signed up for a race. We ended it as a team—stronger, more connected, and full of stories and shared memories. We got to know each other far better and found a renewed appreciation for what makes running such a powerful and inclusive sport.

Photos from the Race

Guy finishing the race on Stage 22 in Bushy Park

Some of the team at the end of race party in Bushy Park on Sunday evening

Looking Ahead to 2026

The Green Belt Relay is a unique event that demands real commitment—but it rewards you with unforgettable experiences and team spirit like no other. Just look at the teams who come back year after year—it’s no wonder.

Logistically, having at least two EEH teams would be a game changer. More people would ease the transport challenges, which were far more complex than anticipated. That said, we managed, and for a team of complete GBR novices, we’re proud of our result: 6th overall and 3rd in the open mixed category. Not bad at all!

We’ll soon be asking for expressions of interest for the 2026 edition. If you’re interested in being part of something truly special—and can commit to supporting the team across the weekend—you’d be very welcome. More information will follow soon.