Emsworth to Basingstoke Relay

70 km, 18 stages, south to north. The baton travels mostly along footpaths, bridleways and green lanes through beautiful Hampshire countryside. Here is a snippet from the day from each of our teams. This event is a favourite in the Liss Runners calendar, can we beat 5 teams next year?

While the line up has changed over the years, it was the same team as 2025 – Rose Lewis (the eponymous lead rebel), Mark Bailey, Alex Wilkinson, Kev Durrant, Tom Frost and James White. And while not officially a Liss Runners team, it is in spirit with 5 current club members, plus Mark a lapsed member who might just re-join.

One of the greatest honours, and biggest pressures in life, is to be invited to join the Rebels. Like Hotel California, this could be heaven or this could be hell, plus you cannot leave.

While not at the sharp end of the race, sorry challenge, nonetheless the Rebels put in a solid performance and were caught up in their own mini race with The Cow Tippers (Liss Runners), as well as Victory Veloceraptors (Victory AC) and Super Social Six (Chichester Runners). In fact, the Rebels loved chasing The Cow Tippers so much that James managed to overtake the Tippers three times on leg 12 – navigation errors, what errors?

After a few last-minute changes, the Cow Tippers made it to the start as a team of five—Neil Gwatkin, Emily Connolly Brown, Laura Rogers, Nicky Thorneycroft and Emily Durrant. Setting off from Emsworth in the sunshine, we kept spirits high with plenty of laughs, some friendly rivalry with Roses Rebels, and the promise of Laura’s amazing chocolate brownies waiting at the finish.

What an incredible day was had being part of The Liss Stunners Ladies Team - Catherine Seager, Amy Corbett, Anna Wemyss, Emma Burrows, Sandra Hunter and Cari Brown. From start to finish the day was full of laughter, teamwork, encouragement and brilliant club spirit. The sun was shining for the majority of the race and was perfect weather conditions! Even when the rain arrived towards the end, it certainly didn’t dampen any spirits! There was such a great atmosphere all day, with plenty of friendly banter between all the clubs and teams, and everyone cheering each other on every step of the way. Finishing as 1st ladies team was the perfect added bonus 🥇.

Still fresh from the buzz of competing at the E2B relay for the first time in 2025 , coming a respectable 6th place , the Flapjack Fiends were excited for the 2026 version . Welcoming Flo Seager to the lineup, a huge achievement in so much as she is bang in the middle of her GCSE’s , Mel Jensen, Stav, Paul Turner, Liz Avery & Rich Pegden remained for the Flapjacks .

And what a run the half dozen produced . Liz set the tone on leg 2 , flying to Havant , Paul smashed Poets Stone like it was as flat as a pancake . Flo nailed the hills , Mel produced two incredible legs and Stav does what Stav always does , an amazing steady and quick athlete . As Flo flew down the final footpath , the Fiends knew they had finished 5th . The icing on the cake was then being told that they were the first mixed place team , a stunning performance!! With time to karaoke with Liz on the way home , the Fiends reflected on another wonderful day , with true friends and top athletes. Special thanks to Mel , and husband Simon , with support crew Otter, for the driving . 

The event was a wonderful and memorable day from a team that experienced the E2B for the first time. It was made more challenging because due to injury we competed with 4 runners, Rosie Dyke, Aido, Steve Clay & Emily White , and did not have a separate chauffeur. It was definitely a magical mystery tour. Despite all this I think we can be proud as a team as we certainly didn’t leave anything “Out there”. The comradery, friendship and support given to each other within our team as well as the entire Liss Runners family was something special. It will live long in the memory.