The Green Belt Relay is a challenging but friendly two-day running event. Good sportsmanship is at the heart of the race, and we encourage teams to compete fairly while looking after and supporting their fellow runners.
All participating teams agree to abide by the race rules. Please ensure that team captains and runners familiarise themselves with these requirements before race weekend.
1. Teams and Runner Eligibility
- Each team should consist of 11 runners, with each runner completing one stage on Saturday and one on Sunday, subject to the substitution rules below.
- Team captains must register their runners and allocated race numbers before the event, ensuring the results team has accurate information.
- Up to 20 runners may be declared against a team’s race numbers. Changes can be made before or during the race, provided the team follows the rules governing runner participation.
- If a runner cannot complete their allocated stage, another team member may substitute without a team penalty.
- A runner who competes on Sunday without having competed on Saturday is not eligible for individual stage prizes or records. This must be declared to the finish timekeeper.
- Teams participating outside the normal eligibility requirements must declare this at the end-of-race captains’ meeting.
Teams with valid substitutions can remain eligible for team awards, provided they meet the requirements for completing the full course.
2. Stage Starts, Timing and Results
Fixed start times
Every stage begins at a scheduled time, with all runners starting together rather than waiting for the previous stage’s runner to arrive.
Runners must arrive at the start at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure to attend the safety briefing.
Cut-off times
Each stage has a designated cut-off time. Runners finishing after this time will have the cut-off time recorded as their official result.
Provided the runner completes the stage, their team can remain eligible for team prizes and records.
Early starts
Runners expecting to finish towards the back of the field may arrange to start early. They must inform the timekeeper when setting off and again at the finish. An appropriate cut-off time will be assigned.
Team results
A team’s total time is calculated by adding together its recorded times across all 22 stages.
To qualify for team prizes and records, teams must complete every stage with one runner per stage. Teams that become ineligible for prizes will still have their performances recorded in the results.
3. Prizes and Awards
Individual stage prizes are awarded to the first male and female finisher on each stage. Sunday stage winners must also have competed on Saturday to qualify.
The race also recognises outstanding individual performances and achievement across several team categories.
| Award | Category |
|---|---|
| The Green Belt | Overall winning team |
| Davis Cup | First men’s team |
| Lynda Shield | First mixed team |
| Pewter Plate | First women’s team |
| Walking Stick | First veterans’ team |
| Toilet Seat | Last team to complete the entire course |
| Mark Critchlow Award | Outstanding record-breaking male performance |
| Sonia O’Sullivan Award | Outstanding record-breaking female performance |
Second-place team prizes are also awarded in the principal team categories.
Category requirements
- Mixed teams must include at least two women to qualify for the mixed-team award.
- The veterans’ category uses V35 eligibility for men and women.
- King and Queen of the Mountains awards recognise the fastest combined performances from four men and four women respectively across the designated mountain stages.
4. Supporting Runners and Staying on Course
- Teams may support runners on foot or by bicycle, provided this does not give their runners an unfair competitive advantage. Some sections of the route are unsuitable for bicycles.
- Runners who leave the official route must return to the point where they went wrong before continuing. They may use transport to return to that point.
- Runners who stop to help another competitor in difficulty may request a reasonable time allowance to compensate for the assistance provided.
Supporting fellow runners is an important part of the spirit of the Green Belt Relay. Safety and sportsmanship should always come before competitive advantage.
5. Safety and Team Responsibilities
All participants must comply with the law, the Highway Code and instructions from race marshals.
Runners must follow the official course maps and use designated road crossings. Ignoring safety instructions or unnecessarily endangering other runners, marshals or members of the public may result in penalties.
Every runner must:
- Carry the required race map and familiarise themselves with the route before starting.
- Carry a mobile phone with the race emergency contact details.
- Attend the stage safety briefing.
- Follow the instructions of marshals and timekeepers.
- Take appropriate precautions for traffic, terrain, weather and other hazards.
- Assist other runners in difficulty where it is safe to do so.
Team captains are responsible for ensuring their runners are properly supported, including transport to stage starts, collection from finishes, and appropriate access to water, food and first aid.
Teams are advised to have first aid supplies and someone with first aid knowledge available.
Please read the separate Race Safety information before taking part.
6. Acceptance of Rules
By entering the Green Belt Relay, participating teams agree to follow the event rules.
The organisers’ published rules state that they accept no liability for injury, loss or damage to persons or property. This wording should be reviewed alongside the current event terms and insurance arrangements before publication.
Any questions about rule interpretation or eligibility should be directed to the Race Director.
Our aim is simple: a safe, fair and enjoyable weekend of running for everyone.