The Christmas Edition
Howdy Ranelights.
ONLY a few MORE SLEEPS UNTIL CHRISTMAS...
From everyone at Comms HQ, we’re sending our warmest festive wishes as we take a short seasonal pause and tuck into a mince pie (or three).
We’ll be back in touch in the new year with details of what’s coming up, including some great cross-country fixtures to look forward to — not least the 3rd Surrey League fixture on 10 January, and our mob match against Blackheath on 17 January in Richmond Park.
If you’re keen for an earlier new-year XC fix, don’t miss the Surrey Cross-Country Championships at Denbies on 4 January. Entries close imminently, so please respond on Teamer or get in touch with your captains ASAP if you’d like to run.
If you’re heading out for a run over the holidays, take care out there, wrap up warm, and make sure you’ve got lights and are visible if you’re running after dark.
A quick reminder too that the next Ranelagh Sunday Coffee Club will take place on Sunday 28 December, 8–11am — everyone welcome to start (or finish!) your Sunday long run with free coffee, warm croissants, and great company.
Above all, we wish you a truly lovely festive season, filled with warmth, laughter, good food, and special time with family and loved ones.
PRIORITY dates
FIXTURES
▪️Sat 10 Jan Surrey XC League #3 @ Mitcham Common (Women) and Oxshott (Men). Teamer/Captains for entries.
▪️Sat 17 Jan Mob Match vs Blackheath @ Richmond Park. Sign up on the day.
▪️Sat 7 Feb Surrey XC League #4 @ Wimbledon (Women) and Lloyd Park (Men)
SOCIALS
▪️Sun 28 Dec Ranelagh Sunday Coffee Club 8 - 11am. Kick start (or end!) your Sunday long runs with free coffee, warm croissants & great company. All welcome.
REMINDERS
▪️Volunteer: Volunteers are the heart of our club so make 2026 your volunteering year, and help keep Ranelagh running smoothly! Details coming in January’s comms.
▪️HELP!: Are you a budding content creator/social media guru able to help with Ranelagh comms? We need you - contact Ed Perry or Narissa Vox via WhatsApp Community.
COMING UP
FIXTURES
▪️Sun 4 Jan Surrey XC Champs @ Denbies
▪️Sat 10 Jan Surrey XC League #3 @ Mitcham Common (Women) and Oxshott (Men)
▪️Sat 17 Jan Mob Match vs Blackheath @ Richmond Park
▪️Sat 17 Jan Box Hill Fell Race
▪️Sat 24 Jan South of England XC Champs @ Beckenham
▪️Sat 7 Feb Surrey XC League #4 @ Wimbledon (Women) and Lloyd Park (Men)
For the latest updates, go to https://ranelagh-harriers.co.uk/fixtures ⬅️
SOcial / community
▪️Sunday 11 Jan: 9am Richmond Park social run with Bearcats; followed by coffee & croissant after. All welcome (including Serpies). Further details to follow.
▪️Friday Jan/Feb TBC: Ranelagh Quiz Night. Details soon.
▪️Fri 13 Mar: The Baker Cup Awards Night. Save the date. Details soon.
Last Minute Present ideas!
Gift that special someone (or yourself!) entry to the Ranelagh Half and/or the Ranelagh 10k
Although there are still a few months of cross country to enjoy, the Surrey Road League will be here before we know it. For those unfamiliar, the Road League is a season-long race series with men’s and women’s competitions across senior and age-group categories — a brilliant way to race regularly, score points for your club, and enjoy some friendly competition across the county.
This year’s series includes nine races, with your best five results counting. As always, our key events — the Ranelagh Half (Sunday 10 May) and the Ranelagh 10k (Sunday 21 June) — are part of the series, so why not make the most of our early-bird prices and secure your entries now.
winter kit collection
We are delighted to say that bulk production of all winter kit items ordered including the customised pieces have been delivered - and it looks AMAZING!
So you can wear them with pride over the holidays, don't miss out on collecting your orders on Tuesday 23 December at the clubhouse; before training from 6.30pm.
If you’re unable to make it, there will be further opportunities to collect your orders in the new year.
If you have any questions, please email our Kit Rep >
For questions regarding ordering, payments or returns, please read our FAQS >
Performance roundup
What a great month it’s been for performances and despite the colder, wetter conditions, there have been many stand out achievements.
▪️Latest roundup of the Women’s achievements @ The Blue Wave >
Sat 13 Dec: A huge well done to all our runners at the Middlesex Cross Country Championships. Our female trio put in fantastic performances, with Cecily Day having an outstanding race to finish 4th overall, her highest ever position in this event. She was closely followed by Clare Day, finishing 57th, and Sally Bamford in 63rd, making a strong team effort for Ranelagh. On the men’s side, Joe Killip was our sole representative, finishing 11th, showcasing great determination and strength. Well done for representing our club so brilliantly.
▪️Middlesex Cross Country Championships results >
Tue 17 Dec: There were many a Ranelagh gathered on Richmond Green for our annual Christmas Cracker Relay. For those new to the event, teams dash around the green, handing off a Christmas cracker as their baton, with the aim of keeping it as intact as possible by the end.
Needless to say, spirits were high, with plenty of laughter and jovial chaos as runners navigated the green. From creative tactics to dodging teammates and racing across the start/finish line, everyone threw themselves into the festive fun. At the end, crackers were presented, with some surviving surprisingly intact despite the fast-paced action. Congratulations to the winning teams.
The evening wrapped up perfectly with everyone heading to The Cricketers for a well-earned festive catch-up. Huge thanks to Deborah Blakemore and all the organisers for making it such a memorable night!
Sat 20 Dec: Well done to everyone who raced at the South of the Thames Championship at a sunny and not that muddy, Wimbledon Common. Huge shoutout to Ben Shore, Ed Forbes, Ed Smith, Oleg Olgen, James Stokes, Mike Thomas, Mick Lane, Paul Doyle, Thomas Lane & Shaun Griffith for representing our club with determination, spirit, and plenty of festive cheer.
Social Update
13 March: Save the date for the Baker Cup Awards - our trophy prize-giving night.
At Ranelagh Harriers, running is only half the story. Yes, we train hard, chase goals, and celebrate incredible performances — but the real magic comes from the friendships, encouragement, and sense of belonging that make our club feel like home.
Members join for all sorts of reasons, but they end up staying - for decades - because of our community. Our social side isn’t an add-on - it’s the heart of who we are.
2025 has been full of shared miles, post-run coffees, socials, and celebrations — and 2026 is shaping up even bigger. We have more after-training socials planned, plus a quiz night and more, including our main club prizegiving night - the Baker Cup Awards Night on 13 March - where all our trophies are lined up and presented to our winners.
Training
Not only is it getting darker - it’s also getting colder! So a reminder to please wear hi-vis or reflective clothing at all times — not just during training, but also when travelling to and from the clubhouse or track. Plus don’t forget your lights or head/chest torches - staying visible is key to staying safe.
For Tuesdays’ sessions, please meet at our clubhouse for 7pm.
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NOTE: Thursdays’ track sessions have ended for 2025. The next session will start on 8 January 2026. Please meet at Osterley track for 7.30pm.
Our track sessions are perfect for all levels, helping build speed endurance in a supportive, social atmosphere where everyone trains together and encourages each other. Plus, you can tailor the session to your pace, which is great if you’re returning from injury.
Notices
Club
1️⃣ Share: Your running related celebrations & achievements in our ‘General Club Chat’ group. We love seeing what you get up to!
2️⃣ Club Subs: 2025/2026 subs are due. Payments to Ranelagh Harriers | HSBC | 40-23-29 | 81109847. For other payment options, head to www.ranelagh-harriers.co.uk/join-info
3️⃣ Green Belt Relay 2026: To join the waitlist, please email ranelaghgbr@gmail.com. Then join the Greenbelt Relay Group (via WhatsApp Community) for updates and team chat.
Community
1️⃣ River Thames Boat Project: Are seeking runners to raise funds in the Thames Meander Spring on 8 March. Entry fees covered + minimum target of £150 per participant. For details, email info@thamesboatproject.org
2️⃣ Thames Towpath 10: This 10 miler will return on Sunday 12 April, following the same fast, flat and scenic Thames-side route. Entries @ https://www.west4harriers.com/thames-towpath-10-mile-2026/
3️⃣ Rape Crisis South London: Are looking for runners to fundraise in support of their vital services. Raise £100 & get a free t-shirt. Details @ www.rapecrisissouthlondon.org/fundraise >
