Pictures as almost 500 take part in Sedgefield relay race

A total of 118 teams competed in the four-leg Neptune Relays, organised by Sedgefield Harriers, and held at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield yesterday evening (Wednesday, April 29).

Each runner completed a 1.7 mile course starting and finishing in the field below the park’s temple to Minerva.

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The races were held in lovely conditions under blue skies and bright evening sunshine, drawing athletes of all abilities and ages.

Competitors included leading club runners alongside newcomers taking part in a range of senior and junior categories.

This year’s event saw nearly 20 more teams than in 2025, reflecting the continued growth in popularity of running and the inclusive nature of the relays.

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 races were also notable for the return of the traditional start and finish area next to the temple to Minerva. For the previous two years the location had been moved because of ground conditions.

On this occasion, all of the runners came from clubs across the North East, Tees Valley and North Yorkshire, with particularly strong representation from the most local clubs.

Teams competed across several categories throughout the evening.

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The senior men’s race was won by Hartlepool Burn Road Harriers, while Stockton Striders Athletic Club claimed victory in the senior women’s event.

Elvet Striders won the vet 50 men’s category and Sedgefield Harriers took the vet 45 women’s title.

In the junior races, Crook Athletic Club won the boys’ competition and Sedgefield Harriers won the girls’ event. The unaffiliated teams category was won by Doxy Runners.

Here are some pictures from the event:

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The 2026 Neptune Relays at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Sedgefield Harriers said the event could only take place with the support of volunteers, the team at Hardwick Park and Durham County Council, which allowed the club to stage the relays in the park.

For more information about Sedgefield Harriers and its events visit www.sedgefieldharriers.co.uk or the club’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sedgefieldharriers.