The Ron Hill Manchester Relays will celebrate their 60th edition on Saturday 24 October 2026, marking a diamond anniversary for one of the country’s established student cross-country relay events.
The event traces its origins to 1967, when enthusiasm inspired by Manchester University runners competing at the Imperial College Hyde Park Relays led to the creation of a Manchester equivalent. Among those involved in championing the idea were Olympians Ron Hill and John Whetton.
Six decades of relay racing
Now known as the Ron Hill Manchester Relays in memory of the celebrated athlete, the competition has grown from an event originally contested only by men into a fixture welcoming university teams and running clubs. Women began competing in the early 1980s.
In 2025, 213 teams completed the relays. The event included 104 women’s teams of three alongside men’s and mixed races, each contested over six legs.
Leeds Beckett took the men’s university title last year, ahead of Leeds University, ending Birmingham University’s recent winning run. Birmingham’s women retained first place, while Lagan Valley travelled from Ireland to secure the men’s club honours.
Ronhill continues its support
The Ronhill sportswear brand, named after the three-time Olympian, remains closely associated with the event. Its support helped provide an extensive prize list worth more than £3,000 in 2025.
Graham Richards of Ronhill said the company was proud to continue supporting an iconic running event as it reached its 60th anniversary. The Hill family and Ronhill have played important roles in developing the relays since Ron Hill’s death.
Manchester PhD student Arlo Ludewick ran the fastest opening leg in 2025, before going on to win the British 1500m Championships, record a 3:48 mile and finish fifth in the European 1500m final.
New clubs welcome
Organisers are encouraging clubs that have not previously competed to enter, offering them a 50% discount. Ronhill will also provide a discount code for competitors.
Event: Ron Hill Manchester Relays — 60th edition
Date: Saturday 24 October 2026
Venue: Wythenshawe Sports Ground, Willenhall Road, Manchester M23 0BD
Contact: [email protected]
