The Newham 24Hour non-stop Relay, organised by East End Road Runners, took place between Noon 18th Aug - Noon 19th Aug 2012 at Terence McMillan Stadium [Newham Leisure Centre] 281 Prince Regent Lane, London, E13 8SD
The event was a non-stop baton carrying relay [inspired by the symbolism of the Olympic Torch Relay] which saw 3 teams [nearly 100 runners], in 3 different lanes of the Terence Mcmillan Stadium 400M running track, running / jogging / walking continuously for 24 hours, trying to complete as many KMs in that time as possible.
Each mixed ability team was attempting to run the farthest but teams were also jointly trying to run farther than 500 miles / 800km as a combined total. The teams were joined on the track by other participants, running on a more ad hoc basis in other lanes.
This FREE event, open to the public as well as members of local running groups and clubs, was seen as both a celebration of the unique location in the heart of the 2012 Olympic geography, and a coming together of local running communities in a spirit of competition and co-operation.
As well as participants from East End Road Runners other invited teams included Run England, local Parkrunners, members of neighbouring running clubs, and members of the public.
Every participant received a Community Games certificate, a 2012 commemorative medal, water, and a spot prize goody bag.
Slots were allocated on a first come first served basis. Entry was by pre-registration only.
Event Results
Three teams [89 runners] managed to keep 3 golden batons moving for 24 hours non-stop, covering a total of 717.08KMs [446 miles]. Images from the event can be found here. A full set of results here. Archived instructions to participants here.
NB. The length of Lane 1 is 400 metres.
Some Feedback
"It was great to meet you finally and your road running crew! They were all lovely and welcoming to me and my family which we really appreciated. I had a great time as it was very peaceful and relaxing at the track, and will keep an eye on your website for any events which may crop up in the future. Thanks again to you and your team for a memorable and fun afternoon." Carla Rowney
"What a success!!! A lovely experience to be on track whilst the sun rose." Louise Sinon
"Thanks so much for arranging the event this weekend, I love these challenges as a group so it was a real pleasure to take part." Benjamin Lovett
"Had a brilliant and sweaty time at the relay! Well done with the whole event and hope it goes from strength to strength!" Natalie Traylen
"Thank you very much for organising such a big event! I had a lot of fun and would love to see an ultra takes place here again." Regis Martin
“Wow an amazing event. It was fantastic to see runners of all ages and abilities running side by side and having fun. To share the journey with some participants who have progressed from walkers to runners epitomised what I love about coaching” Bisi Imafidon, EERR Club Secretary and Coach
NB. The length of Lane 3 is 414.7 metres.
The Original Idea
The Relay was actually dreamt up in the spring of 2011 as a possible London Open Weekend event to celebrate 'One Year To Go' to the Olympics. It was envisaged as a longer duration / more symbolically involved event but unfortunately due to the costs involved it never got off the ground.
The basic idea was:
"A non-stop 52 hour baton carrying relay [inspired by the symbolism of the Olympic Torch relay] in which athletes will each run for 1 hour at a time [perhaps accompanied by a non carrying minder/safety runner or at least 1 'supporter' in the area] with the aim of runners covering a total of 366 miles in total over the duration of the event.
[Weekend of 23-24 July being 1 year to the Olympics, being 52 weeks, being 366 days]
It will also be one of the last chances for people to run on that track - as soon after it gets resurfaced [might be able to ask track resurfacing company if we could get some small pieces to give to all participants at a later date as momentoes?]"
NB. The length of Lane 5 is 430.03 metres.
This event was organised as part of England Athletics 'Athletics Community Days' Aug 12-26, Community Games Aug 18/19 and the 'Join In local sport' initiative. It received a 'Let's Get the Party Started' grant from Newham Council.
East End Road Runners would like to thank all those that participated, especially those that ran for extra time; covering slots left empty through 'no-shows'. We would also like to thank LOCOG / GLL / Newham Council for allowing us access to our track in the period between the Olympics and Paralympics to hold this event.