The Real Relay

The Real Relay was an exciting attempt to complete the entire official Olympic Torch route around the British Isles in one continuous non-stop journey. Unlike the Olympic Torch which spent most of its journey in the back of a van, this 8000 mile mission to reach London in time for the Olympic Games opening ceremony involved hundreds of participants running through the day and night every single step of the way.

On Friday 20th July 2012 the Relay entered Newham via the Woolwich foot tunnel and followed the same route that the Olympic torch took one day later. East End Road Runners carried the baton for this 10 mile leg [starting at Woolwich Arsenal 10am / finishing at Mile End 11.45am ] along with two guest runners who had asked to come and join in.

To ensure handover to the next runner in the chain the pace of the run was averaged at 10mins a mile. Some members joined for part of the run but most completed the whole distance. The route map with approximate timings can be found here. Images from the event here. And a write up in the local newspaper.

Several members then also returned for the final leg on July 22nd, from City Hall on the South Bank to the Olympic Park, which was completed by around 200 runners. Coach Paul also acted as a lead guide for the entire leg, ensuring the run got as close as possible to the Olympic Stadium [as LOCOG had declined entrance]. Several members were interviewed by the One Show film crew when the event neared its conclusion in Victoria Park.