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King Henry VIII Relay Race
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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, regardless of their age, although this will often include runners in the Sixth Form.
History & Previous Results
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. It has a strong legacy, boasting former competitors of the calibre of Seb Coe, Alistair & Jonathan Brownlee, and Richard Nerurkar. To see previous years’ results and read the race reports please use the links on the right hand side of this page.
Announcement regarding the 50th Anniversary Race in 2021
This year, due to the Covid19 pandemic, we will be organising a fun (but also highly competitive) event!
Please see KHVIII Remote Relay 2021 letter for all the details!
The link to enter the race is at the bottom of this page.
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 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, and 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. For both races plaques will be awarded to the runners of the three fastest lap times.
‘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 throughly 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.’
Teaching Staff
Mr T Andrews is in charge of the annual King Henry VIII Relay Race.
Mr P Robbins is in charge of the Cross Country team at the school.
Contact
Mr T Andrews – relayrace@khviii.net
How to enter
We usually ask for a contribution to the costs, but this year the remote event does not require this. We also usually have minimum entry requirements, which we are putting on hold this year too.
Click here to fill out the application form
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