Next Green Belt Relay – 29th edition
15th- 16th May 2027
Entries opening soon.
The Green Belt Relay is a unique two-day running event covering approximately 220 miles around London’s Green Belt. Taking place over a weekend in May, the route follows a mixture of footpaths, towpaths and quiet country roads through the beautiful countryside and green spaces surrounding the capital.
Starting at Hampton Court on Saturday morning and finishing at Bushy Park Sports Centre on Sunday afternoon, the event brings together around 50 teams of 11 runners. Each runner completes one stage on Saturday and another on Sunday, tackling two of the 22 stages that make up the route.
Unlike a traditional relay, each stage starts at a fixed time. This means every stage is a competitive race in its own right, while allowing teams of different abilities to progress around the course together. The result is a weekend that combines competitive running with teamwork, camaraderie and a fantastic atmosphere.
Organised by The Stragglers running club since 1995, the Green Belt Relay is a not-for-profit event, with all surplus funds donated to charity, most recently Marie Curie.
The Green Belt Relay is open to teams of 11 runners of all abilities, from competitive running clubs to groups of friends looking for a unique challenge. With 220 miles to cover across two days, it’s a demanding but hugely rewarding event, so we encourage everyone to explore the course and stage details before entering.
The race is extremely popular, with many clubs returning year after year. Places are limited and entries can fill up very quickly — the 2026 event reached capacity during its opening weekend in October.
Interested in taking part? If you’d like to enter a team in a future Green Belt Relay, please get in touch. Although we have a loyal group of returning clubs, we can sometimes accommodate new teams and would be happy to keep you informed about future entry opportunities.
The Green Belt Relay weaves its way through the villages, rivers and countryside of London’s Green Belt, starting at Hampton Court Palace and finishing with a celebration and prizegiving at The Stragglers’ club headquarters at Bushy Park Sports Club.
The 220-mile course is divided into 22 stages, averaging around 10 miles each. Distances, terrain and difficulty vary considerably, from riverside towpaths and woodland trails to country lanes and challenging hills. Our Course Details page provides everything runners need to prepare, including stage timings, route maps, changeover points and practical information.
The route largely follows the Green Belt Way, a long-distance walking route closely associated with the race. Race founder Sean Davis walked every inch of the 220 miles, exploring the churches, castles, windmills, lockkeepers’ cottages and perhaps the odd pub along the way! His entertaining and informative guide to the Green Belt Way offers a fascinating insight into the places and landmarks encountered along the route.