King Henry VIII Relay Race

Welcome to the dedicated page for the King Henry VIII Relay Race. To enter the 2026 races, taking place on Wednesday 28 January, please see the link at the bottom of this page.

Congratulations to Ermysted’s Grammar School (boys’) and New Hall School (girls’) for their victories in this years’ race which took place in the mud on 29 January 2025.

Race Report 2025

Results can be found here:

Boys’ Race 2025 & Top 99 times

Girls’ Race 2025 & Top 50 times

Read the Athletics Weekly Article here.

About the races

Since 1972 King Henry VIII School in Coventry has hosted what is now regarded by many as the best inter-schools Cross Country Relay Race in the UK. We are very proud of our race! Chip timing was introduced in 2015 providing quick, accurate results alongside a UKA trained timekeeper to ensure a fail-safe system.

Boys and girls compete in their own categories: the Boys’ Race is 6 x 2.3 miles; the Girls’ Race is 4 x 2.3 miles. The course is over pavement, grass, woodland – and quite a few puddles – and is largely flat with no significant elevation. Schools should enter their best runners, although this will often include runners younger than the Sixth Form. See the entry requirements below for more details.

History

Founded by Ted Norrish in 1972 as a boys’ race, and joined by a girls’ race in 2000, the event has always strived to allow pupils to compete with the best of their peers across the UK. More information about Mr Norrish and our race can be found at “History of the race” page. It has a strong legacy, boasting former competitors of the calibre of Seb Coe, Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee, and Richard Nerurkar.

Award Ceremony

Prizes are awarded for a variety of categories, and every year sees a different guest presenter with a history of excellence in the athletics field, in competing, coaching or as an ambassador for the sport.

The KHVIII Cups, awarded in memory of Ted Norrish, will be awarded to the winning teams.
For the boys’ teams the JB Vent Cup, LJ Wrench Cup and Matthew Lee Cup will be awarded to the second, third and fourth placed teams.
The John Vickers Cup will be awarded to the most improved boys team. Medals will be presented to the members of the first four teams, and cloth badges to members of the first ten teams. Individual times from a relay-chip should be available at the presentation ceremony after the race and emailed after the event.
In the girls’ race the Philip Mahiques Cup is awarded to the second placed team.
The Pat Head Cup to the third placed girls’ team. Medals will be presented to the members of the first four teams, and cloth badges to members of the first ten teams.
The fastest boy is presented the Mark Randell and the fastest girl is awarded the Andrews’ Shield.

‘The event is superbly run, and very much has the look and feel of a championship.’

‘It has now become a highlight on our calendar and is a thoroughly enjoyable day. Our young runs were pleased with their position and are hungry to compete again next year!’

‘Thanks for a super event. The boys enjoyed their first visit and were pestering me to bring them back next year. I appreciate the huge amount of energy and organisation that went into making sure that everything ran so smoothly.’

Race contact

Mr T Andrews is in charge of the annual King Henry VIII Relay Race.

How to enter

To submit an entry for our races please follow the link below. We ask for a contribution of £7.80 per runner, which is now inclusive of VAT.

Enter now

Entry requirements:

All boys’ teams should be capable of finishing the 6 x 2.3 mile course in about 90 minutes.
All girls’ teams should be capable of finishing the 4 x 2.3 mile course in about 72 minutes.

More details about requirements can be found here.

Where to next?

Careers Support at Henry’s

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