General race queries
What is the Impetus Relay?
The Impetus Relay is a four-hour running and walking challenge taking place on Saturday 12th September 2026. Participants compete on a 2.5km loop, aiming to cover as much distance as possible either individually or as part of a team, while raising vital funds for Impetus.
When and where is the event?
- Date: Saturday 12th September 2026
- Location: Clapham Common, London
- Event village open: 08:00 to 16:00
- Race time: 10:00 to 14:00
Who can take part?
Anyone can take part. No prior experience is required. The event is suitable for all fitness levels, and individuals could run or walk anything from 2.5km up to 50km.
How do teams work?
You can enter as:
- An individual
- A pair
- A team of four
Within each format, there are multiple categories competing for the podium, depending on the specific make-up of your team. Use this handy chart to better understand how this works.
If you would like more detail on how categories apply to transgender and non‑binary participants, please read our Transgender Participation Policy.
Do all team members need to run the same amount?
No. The Relay is completely flexible. For example:
- One teammate could run for just 10 minutes
- Others might run longer stints
- Teams can rotate evenly or unevenly
- You and your team do not have to be on the course for the full four hours, you can take breaks
- You can rotate multiple times during the four hours
There is no minimum or maximum time per person. All time spent on the course counts toward your total distance.
Is the event competitive?
It can be but it does not have to be. Some participants will aim for marathon or ultra distances, while others will take part for fun, fitness and fundraising. The Relay is designed to support both competitive and social teams.
What is the race course like?
The race course is a flat, fast 2.5km course on mix of tarmac and well maintained trail path.
Can participants walk instead of run?
Yes. Walking is absolutely allowed and encouraged. Every lap counts, regardless of pace.
Is there a minimum or maximum distance?
There is no minimum distance requirement. The goal is simply to cover as much distance as you can within the four hours.
Take a look at the guide below to help you and your team shape your strategy and understand how your laps convert into milestone distances.
Registration and entry
What's included in the cost of entry?
Included in your entry is:
- Event t-shirt
- Food and drink voucher
- Our eco-friendly finisher's medal
How do I register a team?
If you are taking part as a pair or team, elect a dedicated Team Captain to sign up the whole group. The Team Captain pays for everyone (make sure you pay them back!) but only needs to provide their own registration information. They can then invite Team Members to add their registration information via our booking platform, Let’s Do This.
Do I need to have all my team members sorted before signing up?
No – you can secure a spot for your team without knowing exactly who will be on it. Once you’ve confirmed your team you can invite them later.
What is your refund policy?
You can cancel your entry within 14 days of signing up and receive a full refund of your entry fee. After this 14‑day cooling‑off period, entry fees are non‑refundable, but you can still cancel your place by emailing events@impetus.org.uk any time before event day. If the event is cancelled for any reason, including circumstances outside our control, you will receive a full refund of your entry fee. We cannot offer deferrals to next year’s event.
Can I transfer my place to someone else?
Yes, you can transfer your place to someone else. All transfers must be completed by 23:59 on 6th September 2026, and they must be done through the online registration platform. No refunds are given and any payment arrangements are made between participants. For team or individual runner transfers already registered, please email events@impetus.org.uk so we can cancel the outgoing entry and allow the Team Captain or Individual Runner to send the new participant an invite link. The most current entry fee will apply when the new participant accepts the transfer.
Event day logistics
What is the timetable for the day?
08:00 Event village opens
10:00 Race clock starts
14:00 Race clock stops
14:30 Kids race starts
16:00 Event village closes
How do I get there?
The event village and race course are located at Clapham Common West Side SW, London, UK.
Get full directions
By public transport
Underground: Clapham South (Northern Line), 8 minute walk
Buses: G1, 155, 50
By car
Parking: APCOA controlled car park at Clapham Junction train station. Limited on-street zone parking.
How do I get my racepack?
You need to collect this on the morning of the event. Nothing will be sent via post.
What happens if someone in a team cannot attend on the day?
Teams can adjust their running plan on the day. As long as at least one team member is present, the team can still take part.
Will there be spectators and a social atmosphere?
Yes. The event village will be open all day, creating a lively, festival-style atmosphere with supporters, teammates and colleagues cheering participants on. A live leaderboard will display team and individual progress throughout the event.
How do I opt out of event photography?
If you prefer not to appear in any event photos, please visit the Info Desk when you arrive on event day. Our team will give you opt‑out stickers to place on your bib number. This lets our photographers know not to capture identifiable images of you during the event.
Can I bring my dog?
We love to welcome your furry friends in the event village. All dogs must be kept on a lead and be under control at all times. You are not permitted to race with your dog.
Fundraising
Is fundraising required?
Yes. As with the Impetus Triathlon, participants are asked to commit to fundraising for Impetus.
How much do I have to raise?
We have a fundraising ask of £400 per person. This means £400 for individuals, £800 for pairs, and £1,600 for teams. All funds raised support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed in school, in work and in life.
Can I raise money for a different charity?
The Impetus Relay is exclusively in aid of Impetus and we don’t allow our competitors to raise money for other charities.
Whilst we know that there are many causes and charities which are dear to our competitors’ hearts, we rely on our competitors’ fundraising to ensure the event is viable.
What happens if I don't reach my fundraising target?
Your fundraising target is a key part of your commitment to taking part in the Impetus Relay. We give masses of support, ideas and tools. It’s achievable! We know it is achievable. Hundreds of Triathlon competitors have done it before, and the same support will be in place for the Relay. Ultimately though we will ask you to top up your fundraising yourself if necessary to reach your target.
Changing from the Triathlon
Is the Impetus Triathlon taking place this year?
No, the Impetus Triathlon is not taking place this year. Impetus' challenge fundraising event for 2026 is the Impetus Relay. The Relay keeps the same time of year as the Triathlon, the second Saturday of September, so it stays in its usual spot in your calendar.
Why has the Impetus Triathlon been replaced?
After 11 successful years and over £4 million raised, we decided to evolve the event to:
- Reduce rising logistics costs
- Improve accessibility by moving to a London location
- Remove barriers created by the swimming element
- Reflect changing sporting trends, particularly the growth of relay running events
The Relay keeps the challenge and fundraising ambition, while opening the event up to many more participants.
Contact us
Got another question, looking for more info or thinking about sponsoring the Relay? You can reach us at events@impetus.org.uk, or contact us using our contact form.
We are also hosting a launch webinar for the Impetus Relay on 12th March 12-12:45pm, where you'll have the opportunity to find out more and ask questions - join the webinar here.
For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
