Teddy Hall Relays

Weather

Last year's Teddy Hall Relays (THR) saw team Abingdon AC getting very, very wet. The weather was cold, wet, windy and even snowed at one point.

This year couldn't have been more different. The sun was shining, and it was really warm for an early March day.

The THR is a brilliant event organised by Oxford University Cross County Club. The race starts and finishes at the legendary Sir Roger Bannister Athletics Track on Iffley Road in Oxford.

Flying the AAC flag.

Fun

As mentioned, it's a relay race, but the atmosphere is relaxed. Most of the teams are from universities. Our emphasis is on fun. Many of the university teams are made up of 20-year-olds at the peak of fitness!

The event is open to anyone who wants to put together a team. That always includes several local running clubs and the RAF! We have always managed to put in several teams. This year was no exception, with four teams entered.

The stands.

A bit of running

It's a simple format. Teams of four runners (all male, all female or mixed) compete over the approximately 4-mile course. The first runners of each team head start with 200 metres on the track and then out of the stadium onto Iffley Road. They head down the back streets to Donnington Bridge. Up and over and down onto the towpath along the Thames to The Head of the River pub. Then on into Christchurch Meadow for one lap until heading back out, over The Plain, and back to the stadium. The finish is another 200 metres on the track to hand over to the next runner.

We are starting them young at AAC. Lovely baby George watches on.

Cake

It's not all about the running, though. There is also a club picnic in the stands. This year's spread included a fabulous homemade cake made by Emma, our super supporter. Other sugary delights were on offer to make sure we all had the strength to smash out a lap of the flat and fast course.

Julia carrying the baton.

More cake

Our teams are always of mixed ability, and our results vary. This year, our fastest team was a very respectable 11th. But it doesn't really matter. It's a great excuse to take a day (or half a day) off work to cheer on your friends at a world-famous running track while eating cake.

Sunglasses a must this year.

Photos by: Helen, Julian and Emma