Virtual Road Relay Competition - International Round preview

Tomorrow sees the start of the International Round of the England Athletics Virtual Road Relay Competition 2020/21 – with Wirral AC flying the flag for England!

The Virtual Road Relay Competition started back in December 2020 and was launched as an opportunity to give runners a chance to compete at a time when traditional competition is on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic. The format of the virtual competition allowed unlimited numbers of runners from affiliated clubs to compete over legs of five miles per runner, with the fastest four men and four women scoring for their club.

December’s Qualifying Round saw a massive 2,455 runners from 128 clubs across England taking part. The top 50 club teams from that round then progressed to the National Round, which took place in February 2021, with 1,026 runners competing.

Wirral AC beat off strong competition to win the National Round in a collective time of 3:32:39, with strong contributions from their fastest four male and female runners: TJ Jones (24:46), Ethan Brady Jones (24:51), William Strickley (25:23), Daniel Hayes (26:28), Sophie Tarver (27:11), Keira Brady-Jones (27:43), Emily Kearney (27:43) and Ellen Mary Kearney (28:34).

As a result of their victory, Wirral AC now represent England in the International Round which puts them in a virtual race against the qualifying clubs from Scotland (Edinburgh University Hare & Hounds), Northern Ireland (North Belfast Harriers), and Wales (Lliswerry Runners).

The runners competing for the four clubs in the International Round have from Friday 19 March to Monday 22 March to complete their runs – after which the overall champion of the Virtual Road Relay Competition will be crowned!

Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for news of the final results!