Race Safety

The Green Belt Relay is a unique and challenging event covering almost 220 miles of countryside around London. With 22 stages taking runners along footpaths, country lanes, woodland trails and riverside routes, there are inevitably risks involved.

We take safety seriously and have a comprehensive system of risk assessments, course markings, marshals and first aid arrangements in place. However, every runner is responsible for their own safety and must exercise good judgement throughout the race.

Please read this guidance carefully before race weekend, familiarise yourself with your stage maps and pay attention to instructions from marshals and race officials.

Essential Safety Requirements

All runners must:

Carry their official race map, including at least the front and final page.
Carry a mobile phone with the race emergency contact numbers, which are printed on the map.
Attend the stage safety briefing, held 15 minutes before the scheduled start.
Follow the official route, including designated road crossings.
Obey instructions from marshals and race officials, stopping when instructed.
Remain alert to their surroundings and avoid listening to music while running.
Prepare for their stage, including checking the route, terrain, weather conditions and potential hazards.

Failure to follow safety instructions may result in penalties or disqualification, as appropriate under the race rules.

Road Safety and Traffic

Every stage involves some road running or road crossings. Some footpaths emerge onto roads with limited visibility, and traffic may be travelling at speed.

Particular care is needed on narrow country lanes, at junctions and wherever runners move between footpaths and roads.

All roads remain open to normal traffic throughout the event.

Marshals are positioned at designated locations to warn runners of hazards and provide guidance. However, marshals cannot stop traffic or guarantee that a road is safe to cross.

Runners must:

Follow the Highway Code and exercise appropriate care.
Use the designated road crossings shown on their stage maps.
Check carefully for traffic before crossing any road.
Never assume that approaching vehicles will stop.
Follow marshals’ instructions and stop whenever directed.

Do not take shortcuts across roads. Runners observed ignoring designated crossings may receive a time penalty.

No race position or finishing time is worth risking an accident.

Course Navigation and Maps

The Green Belt Relay is not a fully closed or continuously marshalled course. Runners must navigate using their official stage maps and the course markings provided.

All runners are required to carry their race map. Timekeepers will not permit runners to start without one.

Before your stage:

Study the route carefully, particularly junctions, turns and road crossings.
Read the safety warnings highlighted in red on the map.
Familiarise yourself with the start and finish locations.
Check for any last-minute course alterations or instructions.

Maps can be difficult to follow when running at speed, particularly on unfamiliar paths. Spending a little time studying your route beforehand can prevent navigational mistakes and potentially dangerous situations.

If you become lost or encounter difficulties, stop somewhere safe and contact your team or race officials for assistance.

First Aid and Emergencies

The race has two qualified and equipped first aiders travelling with the event, one in the race control car and another in the sweep vehicle following the stages.

Emergency contact numbers are printed on the official race maps. Every runner must carry a mobile phone so they can contact race officials if necessary.

In the event of an accident or medical emergency:

Stop and assess the situation without putting yourself in danger.
Call 999 immediately for a serious or life-threatening emergency.
Contact the race emergency number shown on your map.
Give your location and as much information as possible about the incident.
Follow instructions from emergency services and race officials.
Assist another runner in difficulty where it is safe and appropriate to do so.

The course passes through rural areas, and although roads are generally not far away, help may take time to reach an injured runner.

We rely on runners, marshals and team members to look out for one another throughout the weekend.

Hazards on the Course

The Green Belt Relay passes through a wide variety of countryside, with potential hazards including:

Uneven, muddy or slippery paths.
Steep hills, steps, stiles and obstacles.
Livestock, horses and other animals.
Electric fences and field boundaries.
Cyclists, walkers, horse riders and other path users.
Level crossings and busy road junctions.
Riverside paths and activities near waterways.
Unexpected obstacles or changing conditions.

These are not the only hazards you may encounter.

Runners should remain alert, adapt their speed to the conditions and take particular care on unfamiliar or difficult terrain.

Potential hazards are identified on the official stage maps and in the race risk assessment.

Weather, Food and Hydration

The race takes place in May, when conditions can range from warm sunshine to heavy rain and cold winds.

Some stages are physically demanding, and the logistics of moving between start and finish locations can make it difficult to eat and drink at normal times.

Although water stations and some refreshments are provided, runners and teams must make their own arrangements to ensure they are adequately fed and hydrated.

We recommend:

Bringing plenty of water and snacks in team vehicles.
Eating and drinking appropriately before and after each stage.
Carrying water during a stage where conditions or personal needs make this advisable.
Dressing appropriately for the weather and terrain.
Bringing spare clothing and footwear.
Allowing adequate recovery time between stages.

Team captains should ensure their runners are properly supported throughout the weekend.

Marshals and Race Officials

Marshals play an essential role in making the Green Belt Relay possible.

Please watch for marshals along the course and follow their instructions. If a marshal asks you to stop, you must stop.

If you encounter a hazard, accident or other problem, inform the nearest marshal or race official as soon as possible.

Teams allocated marshalling responsibilities must take these duties seriously. If you are unable to fulfil an assignment, contact the organisers in advance so alternative arrangements can be made.

Respecting Other Countryside Users

The race takes place on public roads, footpaths and shared countryside routes. We must respect everyone who lives, works or enjoys recreation along the course.

Please be considerate towards:

Walkers and other runners.
Cyclists and horse riders.
Motorists and local residents.
Farmers and landowners.
People working or taking part in activities along the rivers.

Be courteous, give way where appropriate and avoid unnecessary confrontation.

The organisers work hard to maintain good relationships with local communities and landowners. Everyone taking part has a role in protecting the reputation of the event.

Driving and Team Transport

Transporting runners between stages is a major part of the Green Belt Relay, and teams can cover considerable distances over the weekend.

Many of the roads around the course are narrow country lanes with sharp bends, limited visibility and fast-moving traffic.

Please drive carefully and allow plenty of time between stages.

If you are running late, contact race officials rather than taking risks. Missing a stage is far preferable to being involved in a road accident.

Drivers should also take care when parking near stage starts and finishes, ensuring they do not obstruct roads, entrances or access for emergency vehicles.

Safety Documents

The following documents provide further details of the race’s safety arrangements:

These documents should be reviewed by all relevant race officials and team captains.

Finally — Look After Each Other

The Green Belt Relay is a competitive event, but its success depends on cooperation, good sportsmanship and everyone looking after one another.

Read your maps. Listen to marshals. Watch for traffic. Drive carefully. Help fellow runners.

And above all, enjoy a safe and memorable weekend running around London’s Green Belt.