Cotswold Hilly 100
Race Information
The Cotswold Hilly 100 is a 100-mile road relay race divided into 10 legs each of approx 10 miles. The race starts at the American Fountain, Market Square, in Stratford upon Avon and finishes at the Stratford Sports Club. It follows a route of mainly minor roads that meanders through the Cotswolds.
This year saw the 39th year of this iconic race and while there have been minor tweaks to improve the safety of the runners, the overall route is largely unchanged. As the name suggests, there are a number of undulations throughout the route.
The course record is held by Massey Ferguson Running Club, who in 1989 ran a combined overall time of 9:24.
Teams start at either 5am, 6am or 7am depending on their predicted overall time with a view to finishing between 5 – 6.30pm.
To ensure all teams finish at a reasonable time, there is the option of the flexible ‘mass start’. This involves the leg 8 runners starting at either 12pm, 12.30pm or 1.00pm regardless of the leg 7 runner finishing. The leg 7 runner’s time will be recorded so that the overall team race time can be calculated.
Shields are awarded to the first men’s team, first women’s team, and first mixed team.
However, it is the club spirit this race generates that is the main attraction. Teams are responsible for supporting each runner on their leg (e.g. marshalling and first aid as required) and ensuring a successful handover at the end of each leg creates some logistical challenges. Despite the best laid plans, its not unknown for runners to lose their way or to have to continue onto the following leg because their colleague hasn’t arrived!
2025 Race
38 teams took part this year. A huge well done to all of you and thank you for making yet another Hilly 100 day the best thing! We will continue to try and improve the event, any feedback is welcome.
Next year sees the 40th anniversary of the race. Bring on 2026!
2025 Results
Route descriptions
Maps