Cotswold Way Relay 2026: Tewkesbury Running Club Report

This year’s Cotswold Way Relay will never be forgotten — although some would certainly like to forget parts of it.

Tewkesbury Running Club fielded just one team this year after the organisers were heavily oversubscribed. The team had a relaxed ethos, with every intention of enjoying every step and celebrating the beautiful Cotswolds.

Stage-by-Stage Report

Stage 1: Chipping Campden to Stanway

The early alarm call to travel to Chipping Campden isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, so it was strong coffee for Stephane Plisson our runner, Jon Mansfield the “free horse”, and driver Hannah Moon. The reward for starting the trail at 7am is stunning, peaceful North Cotswold scenery and the coolest part of the day. Once the runners left Chipping Campden, their first famous Cotswold landmark was Dover’s Hill, with incredible views, before heading towards Broadway Tower, the 18th-century folly. On a clear day, an incredible 13 counties can be seen from the peak. Steph and Jon had run the route together three weeks earlier to test Steph’s legs; on race day, Steph was in fine shape and, once the big climbs were behind him, he rolled into Broadway, powered across to Stanway House and finished strongly.

Stage 2: Stanway to Cleeve Hill

Hannah made her way back to wish luck to Imogen Knox, who Nigel Tillott was supporting for the first of the three categorised “hard” stages. Ascending Stanway Hill, Imogen’s hard-working calves were soon screaming with cramps. Passing the remains of Hailes Abbey, the route continued along Winchcombe High Street before a welcome chance to hydrate near Sudeley Castle. Imogen’s legs improved a little after leaving Winchcombe, but the Cotswold Way is relentlessly tough in places, including one of the most demanding longer climbs of the day to Belas Knap. As the stage panned out, Imy’s lung power ensured she finished on top.

Given the cramps that struck early, her performance was particularly impressive, and she showed real grit to keep moving strongly through to Cleeve Hill.

Stage 3: Cleeve Hill to Crickley Hill

The once-popular shorter stage from Cleeve Hill to the escarpment above Cheltenham’s Prestbury Park is no more. Because of the “missing link” road works near the Air Balloon roundabout, Stage 3 has become a monster: nearly 14 miles, more than 600 metres of climbing, and now both the longest and biggest stage in Cotswold Way Relay history!

Elaine Vincent had only two stages left to complete before claiming her Queen of the Cotswolds plaque, and she had been looking forward to Stage 3 when it was still classed as “easy”. The route had other ideas. Now rated “hard”, it was double the challenge she had imagined, but Elaine gleefully embraced the day. With great support from Alec, she headed for Devil’s Chimney and produced one of her best runs, setting the bar high with her doggedness.

Stage 4: Crickley Hill to Painswick

Formerly the longest stage on paper, Stage 4 is now the new favourite. Leaving Crickley Hill, it offers spectacular views over Gloucester, the Severn and the Forest of Dean before heading through one of the most tree-covered sections of the route.

Natalie Jenks lined up in her usual confident fashion and powered through the 10 miles to Painswick. Having already cycled thousands of miles in 2026 and done little running, her legs were understandably sore by the finish.

Stage 5: Painswick to Ebley Mill

With just three or four climbs of note, this is another pleasant tour over parts of the Cotswolds. Historically, it is known as the downhill stage, with considerably more descending before the canal-path finish into Stroud. By midday, the heat was beginning to take hold, and it was down to our second debutant Jacqueline Skipper, to carry the Tewkesbury flag. Jacq is enjoying an impressive year of running, and by producing a flying performance in the Cotswolds, she elevated it even higher.

Stage 6: Dudbridge to Dursley

Starting from the Stroud valley, Stage 6 includes three significant climbs. The first, to Selsley Common, is visible from the start and is a daunting sight for runners, though delightful for sightseers. With the gun sounding at 1pm, the ambient temperature was worryingly hot, though the route did provide some glorious wooded shade before the final approach into Dursley. It was busy in Dursley because of a street fair, and further club support from Tony and Tonia was a big boost. Member of the Month Andrew Gillett carried the club south; with tender toes from South Africa’s Comrades ultra, he navigated to the start of Stage 7 in his familiar, reassuring style.

Stage 7: Dursley to Wotton-under-Edge

The shortest stage, along to Wotton-under-Edge starts with a handbrake climb up to Stinchcombe Hill. Once the hill is conquered, it becomes a fast dash along the escarpment, with breath-taking views across the Severn Valley towards the Forest of Dean, a few technical twists and turns, and one final climb before the descent into Wotton. Tim Bessin had a fine run. Having recced the stage with Gary Duxbury, he knew what was waiting, but that start is like no other — some runners just walked from the go.

Stage 8: Wotton-under-Edge to Old Sodbury

Normally regarded as the toughest stage — and in the heat, probably deserving of that title — Stage 8 can challenge runners of any ability. It starts with a half-mile jog alongside a stream before climbing, hands-and-knees style, up onto the Cotswold hills. The 2.45pm start made it a serious test of resilience and, perhaps, life choices.

One exposed section, about a thousand feet above sea level, is completely open to the sun and can be punishing for runners. Tom Payne had tested the course with Jon a few weeks earlier in cooler conditions, but the heat of the July afternoon gave Stage 8 every chance to break him. With wonderful family support, Tom ran gloriously down to the Old Sodbury finish. 

Stage 9: Old Sodbury to Cold Ashton

From Old Sodbury, Bath is not far away as the crow flies, but the Cotswold Way is never about the shortest A-to-B route. The Way follows the western escarpment to take in the views and points of interest, and with the mercury still rising, this stage became a matter of careful pacing, hydration and survival to Cold Ashton.

Hannah had been up at 5am to follow the relay from Chipping Campden towards Bath, sustained by frequent coffees and ice creams, and she was excited for her run on Stage 9. Her recce had taken place on one of the year’s stormiest and wettest days; race day could not have been more different, with fields turning golden and meadows cut and baled.

Hannah set off strongly and paced the race perfectly. Once she had climbed the last tough section, she threw off her hydration vest and found top gear, chasing down runners along the rare flat stretch to the cheering finish line.

Stage 10: Cold Ashton to Bath Abbey

The glory stage belonged to Ollie Reichelt. Stage 10 has a little of everything: the first great view of Bath, the hectic run down into the valley, and one more stern climb just when the climbing seems done.

Running past the Royal Crescent and through the Circus is incredible; flying down crowded streets past shoppers, diners and cheering hen parties is bizarre in the best way. Ollie, who had been second favourite (behind Natalie) to get lost, stayed firmly on course and came sprinting between the lines of spectators to rapturous applause. He impressed not only by staying on route, but also by recording our fastest run of the day.

Thanks and Closing Reflections

Thanks to everyone involved — not just for running, but also for sorting transport, arranging practice runs and supporting across the day. Thanks also to everyone who spectated and encouraged the team on the WhatsApp groups, beforehand and on the route. Thank you to the club for funding the entries.

From a calm early start to the fierce heat of the afternoon, every stage demanded sensible pacing, determination and plenty of resilience. The team’s relaxed approach still produced exactly what it set out to achieve: a memorable day out on the Cotswolds.