Episode 25: Why Relay Races Are Taking Over Trail Running | RUNcensored Podcast EP25

In this episode of RUNcensored, Gary House and Ben Mounsey explore one of the fastest-growing trends in trail and fell running: relay races.

From grassroots legends like the Calderdale Way Relay to newcomers like the Spine Challenger North Relay, Gary and Ben look at why runners across the UK are trading solo suffering for team chaos—and loving every minute of it.

🎙️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

🟢 Why relay races are booming across the UK

🏔️ We explain how the relay formats works for trail events

🏃 Ben’s love for the iconic Calderdale Way Relay and the Hodgson Brother Relay

🥵 Stories of carnage, chaos, and club camaraderie

🏔️ Highlights from British Fell Relays, and the best relays on the European Circuit Trofeo Vanon,i the ASICS Coast to Coast and 9\\]The Rifugi

🧠 Why relays might be the antidote to ultra-running elitism

📣 Listener shoutouts and love for team racing culture

⏱️ Chapters:

0:00 – Intro: Weekend catch-up and podcast housekeeping

2:40 – Gary introduces today’s topic: relay races

4:50 – Why relays are more fun than solo ultras

7:20 – Ben’s love for the Calderdale Way Relay

11:05 – How relay formats bring people into the sport

14:45 – The Lap, Green Man Ultra & Highland Ultra Relay

19:30 – Spine Challenger North Relay – new in 2025

23:40 – Chaos and teamwork: the best and worst of relays

28:15 – Old-school club racing culture

32:00 – Team tactics and navigation pressure

36:50 – Are relays the future of UK trail running?

41:10 – Funny stories from Ben’s club relay days

47:25 – The psychology of running as a team

53:05 – Why relay race reports are better

58:30 – Listener shoutouts and community love

1:05:00 – Tips for relay organisers and new runners

1:11:20 – Final thoughts and relay wishlists

1:17:45 – Next week’s episode tease & outro

Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve ever wondered why more and more runners are racing in teams—or if you’ve survived a mud-soaked club relay yourself—this episode is for you. It’s got banter, memories, and a genuine look at how relays are reshaping the UK trail scene.

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#RUNcensored #RelayRaces #TrailRunning #Ultrarunning #CalderdaleWayRelay #SpineRace #RunningPodcast #GaryHouse #BenMounsey #ClubRunning #TeamRunning #MountainRunning #UKTrailRunning

RUNcensored Podcast 🎙

The unfiltered running podcast with Gary House & Ben Mounsey — honest chats with athletes, coaches and characters from the world of running.

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