Belfast Victoria Park Road Relays 2025

COMPETITION RULES

1. Only teams registered online can participate.
2. For each team entered, clubs can select and decide on their runners and running order up to 30 minutes before each race using the pre-race team declaration form.
3. Each relay team must consist of FOUR DISTINCT running athletes.
4. Runners may only run one leg per race. Using the same runner for multiple legs in a single race will lead to disqualification.
5. All runners on a team must be registered with the same club.
6. Runners aged 16 and over on 31st December 2025 are eligible for senior races, mixed relays, and subject to age, the Under 17 Boys and Girls races.
7. Runners aged 35 and over may participate in both Senior and Masters' races.
8. Each mixed team must consist of 4 runners: 2 females (at least one a Master) and 2 males (at least one a Master).
9. All competing athletes must follow instructions from race officials and marshals.
10. Club secretaries and officials must ensure that race information, including the "Relays Rules and Event Information" document, is shared with their runners ahead of race day.
11. Club officials, supporters, and non-competing athletes must not obstruct the course during the competition.
12. Club vests must be worn by all athletes.
13. Headphones are not permitted. Use will result in disqualification.
14. Race numbers must be worn on the front of running vests.
15. Each registered team will receive four race numbers (e.g., 57A, 57B, 57C, 57D). 'A' is for leg 1, 'B' for leg 2, and so on. Runners must wear the correct number for their leg.
16. Start and finish pens will be used. Runners must report to the start pen in advance and be ready for release by the starting judge at the changeover point.
17. Athletes must not warm up on the racing course. Designated outer and inner trails in the park are available for warming up.
18. Club officials or their nominees must complete and return the team Declaration Form to on-site registration at least 30 minutes before each race.
19. Once submitted, the team declaration (including running order) cannot be changed. Any changes will result in disqualification.
20. All athletes will be issued a bib with a timing chip. Runners must cross timing mats while wearing the timing bib.
21. Team and leg times will be published after the event.
22. First aid will be provided by Ambutran. Any incidents requiring medical attention must be reported to the nearest marshal or official.
23. The event is in a public park, which will remain open. All participants must respect other park users. Inappropriate behaviour may lead to disqualification.
24. Use public bins for waste. Additional bins will be provided near the start/finish area and race pack collection. Littering by any club member may lead to disqualification.

RACES

Five races will be held throughout the day as follows:

11:15 am – Mixed Relays (2 Female + 2 Male; Each team shall include at least one Master Male and one Master Female; 1 lap/1,690m per runner; Open event only)

12:00 pm - Master Women (4 Runners; 2 laps/3,380m per runner; Open event only)

1:30 pm – Master Men (4 Runners; 2 laps/3,380m per runner; Open event Only)

2:30 pm - 3 races combined (Each race to have 4 Runners/team and 2 laps/3,380m per runner for all three races):

• Senior Women (Open and NI & Ulster Championship event combined)
• Under 17 Boys (Open race only)
• Under 17 Girls (Open race only)

3:30 pm - Senior Men (4 Runners; 2 laps/3,380m per runner; Open and NI & Ulster Championship event combined)

All races are Open to clubs outside Northern Ireland and Ulster. However, only teams/clubs affiliated with Athletics Northern Ireland (ANI) are eligible for the NI & Ulster championships.

Although all races are Open, the Athletics Northern Ireland medals will only be awarded to the top three finishers clubs from Northern Ireland and Ulster participating in the senior races.

TROPHIES, MEDALS AND CASH PRIZES

The awards for each race will be as described in the table below.

APPEALS

A jury of appeal consisting of 3 independent members will consider any appeal relating to the result of any race. Rules of appeal are as follows:

1. Appeals must be made within 30 minutes of the official result being announced for the event. Note: on the day results are preliminary and will be ratified before being made official
2. Appeals can be made verbally to the race referee by an authorised person representing the appealing club.
3. The race referee may decide on the appeal or may refer the matter to the jury of appeal. Clubs will have the right to appeal to the jury of appeal if they do not agree with the referee’s decision.
4. An appeal to the jury of appeal must be made in writing within 30 minutes of the race referee’s decision, signed by an official on behalf of the appealing club and shall be accompanied by a deposit of £50 that will be forfeited if the original appeal decision is upheld.
5. The jury of appeal will meet within one week of the event to review the appeal and will inform the club in writing of the outcome.

GENERAL EVENT INFORMATION

Toilet facilities will be provided at the start/finish area. There is also one public toilet at the main car park in the park.

There are no changing facilities available; clubs are encouraged to bring their own gazebo. A designated area for club gazebos will be provided near the start and finish area.

Car parking in the park is extremely limited. There will be marshals monitoring car parking places available throughout the day. When no space is available, access to the park by car will be denied and the marshals will re-direct to alternative car parking locations. No compliance with marshal instructions will be reported to the event organisers and may result in disqualification.

Race packs collection (race numbers, timing chips, etc…) and handover of completed team Declaration Forms will take place under the marquee located just past the bowling pavilion.

Number collection and processing of the Declaration Forms will open at 9.30 am.

All numbers of any team are to be collected at the same time by the club official or its nominee. If possible, we request that each club nominates one single person to collect all their race packs together for all their teams.

FAQs

Where does the event take place?

Victoria Park, East Belfast

How do I enter?

Registrations are online only - Enter online

What is the registration closing date?

Monday 18th August 2025 at 11.59pm

How much does it cost?

£50 per team

How do I pay?

Online payment when you register

What are the distances?

Mixed Relays: 4 x 1690m
All other races: 4 x 3380m

What is the age cut off for the Senior races and the Mixed race?

All athletes aged 16 and over on 31st December 2025 can participate in the Senior races and the Mixed race.

What are the age cut offs for the Masters Relay?

Athletes must be at least 35 on the day of the event.

What is the age cut off for the Under 17 Boys and Girls?

All athletes who are no older than 16 year old on August 31st 2025 are eligible

Can teams be pre-registered before the runners and the reserves are known?

Yes. Online registration does not require clubs to declare their runners for the teams they register.

When do I have to declare the name of the runners in a team?

The name of the athletes must be declared on the team Declaration Form on site and on the day of the event no later than 30 minutes before the race starting gun time. The running order must also be declared and adhered to. No change will be accepted after the Declaration Form has been submitted.

What is the refund policy?

Once you register a team online, your money is committed and cannot be refunded. Refunds cannot be given for failure or inability to field a full team on the day.

One or more athletes in my team is not registered with an Athletics official body. Can I still enter the team?

No. All your athletes including the reserves must be registered with either Athletics Northern Ireland, Athletics Ireland, Scottish Athletics or England Athletics or a recognised athletic federation.

Is there a cut off time to complete a race?

There will be no cut off time to complete any of the races and all teams going across the line will feature on the results.

However, clubs and athletes should be aware that all races will start on schedule irrespective of athletes from the previous race still being 'on the track'.