Happy New Year!
Howdy Ranelights.
the all-knowing Google tells us that we’ve been celebrating the new year for at least 4,000 years…
Hangovers aside, that’s plenty of time to invent some creative traditions: parades, fireworks, resolutions, sunrise swims, and even dress codes - white in Brazil, polka dots in the Philippines. Elsewhere, plates are smashed in Denmark and bread in Ireland, because clearly nothing says “fresh start” like breaking things. However you saw it in, we hope you had a fab time with family and friends.
Shout out to those taking in an icy XC fixture tomorrow, at the Surrey Cross-Country Championships in Denbies. Do wrap up warm and watch your step - conditions are pretty challenging by all accounts but definitely guaranteed to be memorable.
If you’ve missed out on this, have no fear - next up is the 3rd Surrey League fixture on 10 January; with our women continuing their charge at Mitcham Common, and our men looking strong for Oxshott. There’s still time to enter, either respond on Teamer or get in touch with your captains ASAP.
For those looking for a gentler pace, a reminder of the Richmond Park social run with Bearcats on Sunday 11 January starting from the clubhouse at 9am, followed by coffee & croissants after. All welcome.
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
▪️Tue 27 Jan Ranelagh Tuesday Social at the clubhouse from 8.15pm. It’s pizza night! All welcome, whether training or not. Further details to follow VERY soon.
REMINDERS
▪️Volunteer: If you’re not running the Mob on 17 Jan, please consider volunteering from 2pm. Please contact Narissa Vox via WhatsApp Community, or email coordinator@ranelagh-harriers.co.uk
COMING UP
FIXTURES
▪️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.
▪️Friday/Saturday Feb TBC: Ranelagh Quiz Night. Details soon.
▪️Fri 13 Mar: The Baker Cup Awards Night. Save the date. Details soon.
ranelagh half marathon
Early bird prices will end 31 January 2026!
A reminder to make the most of the early bird prices for the Ranelagh Half (and the 10K) while you can. 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
So you can collect recent orders, Agnes, our hardworking Kit Secretary will be at the clubhouse on Tuesday 6 January, before training from 6.30pm.
If you’re unable to make it, there will be other 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 >
Training
Although the winter solstice had passed, it’s still pretty dark both in the mornings and in the evenings. Plus it’s also much colder.
So a reminder to please wear appropriate clothing - hi-vis/reflective, warm clothing — 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.
Tuesdays’ sessions will resume for all groups on 6 January. Please meet at our clubhouse for 7pm. Find the latest training schedules here >
Thursdays’ track sessions will start on 8 January. Please meet at Osterley track for 7.30pm. Find the latest training schedule here >
Social Update
13 March: Save the date for the Baker Cup Awards - our trophy prize-giving night.
2026 is shaping up even bigger for shared miles, post-run coffees, socials, and celebrations, with more socials planned, 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.
dates for your diary:
1. Tue 27 Jan: Ranelagh Tuesday Social @ clubhouse from 8.15pm. It’s pizza night!
2. Friday or Saturday Feb TBC: Ranelagh Quiz Night @ clubhouse from 8pm
3. Friday 13 March: Baker Cup Awards Night @ Turks Head
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 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/
2️⃣ Pacing opportunities: Xempo are looking for pacers for races in Feb, March & April. Details @ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyqVNU1UVOnzjh6-rLsRvDVtHt7WBTPCyEeEJGCzcMGWBgfQ/viewform >
