The London to Paris Relay Run is a chance to take on something bold together — a challenge that relies on teamwork, trust and shared commitment from the first step to the final stretch into Paris. Every stage calls for coordination, support and determination as you pass the baton across two countries as one unified team.

And behind every mile is a far greater purpose. By taking part, you’re supporting Macmillan Cancer Support and helping ensure more people living with cancer receive the best possible care, wherever they are and whenever they need it. Each kilometre is part of a collective effort to make a meaningful difference.

It’s a journey defined by endurance, camaraderie and purpose — and a powerful way to stand together for those who need it most.

Once your team is registered for the London to Paris Relay Run, you’ll receive all your event details through our free mobile travel app. Everything you need sits in one place — your itinerary, training guidance, countdowns, live updates, contact information, weather forecasts, kit lists and more — available 24/7 on your phone.

It removes the need for printed documents and helps keep the event as low-impact as possible. The app is free to download and all the information is tailored specifically to your relay run. A’ppy days.

Throughout the London to Paris Relay Run, you’ll be supported by an experienced Adventurous Ewe crew who keep the whole challenge running smoothly from start to finish. They’re the steady hands behind the scenes — managing logistics, keeping teams safe, and making sure every transition point flows exactly as it should.

Our crew will be positioned at key checkpoints and transition areas to track each runner, monitor timings, support your team vehicle and provide updates as you move through each stage. They’ll coordinate overnight camps, handle daily briefings and ensure every team has the information they need for the day ahead.

Should anything crop up — a change in weather, an unexpected diversion or a team needing extra guidance — they’re there to respond quickly and keep the event on track.

From the first leg out of London to the final celebrations in Paris, your support crew is there to help you focus on what matters most: running strong as a team and supporting Macmillan Cancer Support every step of the way.

The London to Paris Relay Run is carefully managed to ensure your team can focus on running, supporting one another and enjoying the experience. A combination of your Support Team, the Adventurous Ewe Crew and GPX navigation keeps the challenge organised, safe and flowing smoothly across all stages.

Support Team
Each team of 4 runners is accompanied by a 2-person Support Team who manage the day-to-day logistics on the ground. They handle the support vehicle, navigate between transition points, move runners between stages, manage kit, prepare snacks, drinks, lunch and evening meals, set up camp on night 2, and help keep morale high throughout the challenge.

Adventurous Ewe Crew
Our experienced crew oversees the overall event management from start to finish. They staff key transition points and checkpoints, track runners through each stage, monitor timings, coordinate overnight camps, deliver daily briefings and respond quickly to any changes or needs that arise. Their presence ensures the whole relay runs safely and smoothly.

GPX Route Navigation
All navigation for this relay is delivered via GPX route files. These digital route maps guide both runners and support vehicles throughout the challenge, removing the need for physical route markers and helping ensure the event remains low-impact and environmentally considerate. GPX files also allow teams to follow each stage accurately and stay informed about terrain, turns and distances.

Together, these three elements — Support Teams, the Adventurous Ewe Crew and GPX-led navigation — create a well-structured, safe and efficient relay run as you make your way from London to Paris in support of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Grade: Tough

The London to Paris Relay Run is graded as Tough due to the physical demands, distance and multi-day nature of the challenge. Each stage covers roughly half-marathon distance, and although you’ll rotate as a team of four, the cumulative effort across several days requires strong running fitness, steady endurance and good recovery between legs.

You’ll be running on mixed terrain — from urban streets to country lanes, forest tracks and rolling hills — often with early starts, late finishes and constant transitions. Teamwork is essential, as is the ability to manage your own pacing, fuelling and rest.

This grading also reflects the simplicity of the journey itself. The journey includes an overnight ferry crossing from Newhaven to Dieppe, where teams sleep in reclining lounge seats rather than cabins. It’s part of the challenge’s authentic, back-to-basics approach and helps maximise fundraising efforts for Macmillan Cancer Support.

With preparation, coordination and a strong team spirit, this is a demanding yet incredibly rewarding way to take on a major endurance challenge for a meaningful cause.

Preparing well is key to enjoying the London to Paris Relay Run and performing confidently across multiple days. Each stage is roughly half-marathon distance, and while you’ll rotate within your team of four, the cumulative demand of repeated efforts, varied terrain and long days means consistent training is essential.

Your training should focus on:

Building endurance
Comfortably covering 10–15km runs during the week and longer runs at the weekend will help prepare your body for the distance and repetition of relay-style running.

Back-to-back sessions
Including consecutive training days — or two sessions in one day — will help you adapt to running multiple legs over the course of each stage.

Strength and conditioning
Incorporate strength work for legs, core and glutes to support stability and reduce the risk of injury.

Practising fuelling and hydration
Use your training to understand how your body responds to snacks, electrolytes and recovery foods so you arrive ready with a routine that works for you.

Varied terrain
The route includes paved roads, country lanes, hills and forest trails. Training on mixed surfaces will help you feel confident on the changing terrain.

Team coordination
If possible, train with your relay teammates. Practising pacing, handovers and communication early on ensures smoother transitions during the event itself.

To help guide your preparation, you’ll receive our Relay Run Training Guide through the Adventurous Ewe mobile app. It includes weekly structure suggestions, tips for running multiple legs, recommended kit and expert advice to help you arrive strong, prepared and ready to take on the challenge in support of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Our motto is: Train hard, smile harder and enjoy the journey!

A well-planned kit list will make a big difference to your comfort, performance and recovery during the London to Paris Relay Run. You’ll receive a full, detailed kit list through the Adventurous Ewe mobile app before the event, but below is an overview of the essentials you’ll need for this multi-day challenge.

Running Kit

• Comfortable running shoes you’ve trained in
• Lightweight running clothing suited to mixed weather
• Spare running layers for cooler mornings and evenings
• Waterproof running jacket
• Running socks (bring multiple pairs)
• Running belt or lightweight vest for personal fuel
• Hat, gloves and buff (weather dependent)
• High-visibility vest or reflective bands

Navigation & Technology

• Mobile phone with the ability to load and follow GPX route files
• Portable power bank(s)
• Charging cables
• Optional: GPS watch or mapping device

Personal Essentials

• Small day bag for the support vehicle
• Reusable water bottles or flasks (no single-use plastic)
• Electrolytes and preferred running snacks
• Personal first aid items (plasters, tape, blister care)
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries and personal hygiene items
• Travel pillow and warm layer for the overnight ferry

Camp & Overnight Gear

• Tent/s

• Sleeping bag (3-season recommended)
• Sleeping mat 

• Comfortable evening clothing
• Headtorch with spare batteries
• Quick-dry towel
• Flip-flops or comfortable camp shoes

Support Team Kit (for the 2-person support crew)

• GPX-enabled device for navigation

• Fully charged mobile phones with power banks
• Car charger and dashboard phone mount
• Snacks, water and supplies for runners
• Cool box or food storage containers
• Basic vehicle toolkit
• Notebook for timings and transitions
• Bin bags for recycling and general waste (recycle-and-reuse ethos)

Legally required items for driving in France:
• High-visibility vests for all occupants (kept inside the vehicle, not in the boot)
• Warning triangle
• Headlamp beam deflectors (for UK vehicles)
• Vehicle insurance and registration documents carried in the vehicle
• Spare bulbs (recommended, not legally required but strongly advised)

(France no longer legally requires drivers to carry a breathalyser kit.)

Documents & Extras

• Passport
• Travel insurance details
• Ferry boarding pass
• Cash/card for food stops
• Personal medication
• Emergency contact information

All teams will receive a full kit briefing closer to departure. The Adventurous Ewe crew will also be on hand at the start to check essentials and make sure everyone is equipped for a safe, smooth and enjoyable relay from London to Paris.

May is a great month for taking on the London to Paris Relay Run, with generally mild temperatures and long daylight hours to support steady progress across each stage. Conditions can vary between the UK and northern France, so it’s important to be prepared for a mix of weather throughout the challenge.

In southern England, you can expect daytime temperatures of 12–18°C, with cooler mornings and the possibility of light rain or breezy sections, especially on open roads and higher ground.

Across the Channel in northern France, temperatures are typically a touch warmer, often between 14–20°C, with pleasant running conditions on the quieter country roads and forest trails. Showers are still possible, and warmer afternoons can make hydration even more important.

While May usually brings settled weather, this is a multi-day outdoor challenge, so layers, waterproofs and sun protection are all essential. You’ll receive guidance via the Adventurous Ewe mobile app closer to departure, including a more detailed forecast and tips on how to adapt your kit each day.

5 nights’ accommodation are included as part of the London to Paris Relay Run. The mix of hotels, an overnight ferry crossing and a camping night reflects the nature of the challenge — practical, simple and perfectly suited to a multi-day team event.

Night 1 – Travelodge London Battersea (twin share)

Your first night is spent at Travelodge London Battersea, sharing twin rooms. It’s a convenient and comfortable base ahead of the start line and gives you the chance to rest properly before the challenge begins.

Night 2 – Overnight Ferry: Newhaven to Dieppe (reclining lounge seats)

You’ll take the overnight ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe, sleeping in reclining lounge seats. There are no cabins included on this crossing. This keeps the event authentic and helps maximise fundraising efforts. You’ll dock in Dieppe early the next morning ready to continue the relay.

Night 3 – Camping de la Minière, Forges-les-Eaux (bring your own tents, sleeping bags, mats and own meals)

Your first night in France is spent at Camping de la Minière. This is a bring-your-own-tent night and adds to the adventure spirit of the relay. You’ll need your own tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats and meals for dinner and breakfast.

Night 4 – B&B HOTEL Cergy Saint-Christophe Gare (twin share, own meals)

After finishing the day’s stages, your support vehicle will transfer you around 20 minutes to B&B HOTEL Cergy Saint-Christophe Gare. You’ll stay in twin rooms, giving you the chance to fully recover ahead of the final run into Paris. This hotel has been selected due to limited availability closer to the route. Evening meals and breakfast are at your own arrangement.

Night 5 – B&B HOTEL Paris Ivry Quai de Seine (twin share)

Your final night is spent in Paris at B&B HOTEL Paris Ivry Quai de Seine in twin rooms. To celebrate the end of the challenge, the whole group will gather for dinner and drinks at The Bombardier — around 40 minutes by metro and walking or roughly 20 minutes by taxi from the hotel.

Getting to the Start

The challenge begins in London, with the event briefing and first night’s stay at Travelodge London Battersea. All participants are responsible for making their own way to the hotel. Battersea is well connected by public transport, with nearby rail, tube and bus links, and there is paid parking available locally for those arriving by car.

Full arrival details, check-in times and travel tips will be shared through the Adventurous Ewe mobile app ahead of the event. We recommend arriving in good time to settle in, meet your team and prepare for the following morning’s early start.

Getting Home from the Finish

After your final night in Paris, runners will head to Paris Gare du Nord to board the Eurostar direct to London St Pancras International, with tickets included in your package.

Supporters will begin the journey north with the team vehicle, travelling from Calais to Dover via ferry or Eurotunnel — also included as part of the trip arrangements.

It’s a fitting moment to take everything in: four days of steady running, strategic planning, solid teamwork and genuine support for one another. You’ve crossed two countries, shared countless miles and raised vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. A remarkable journey home after an equally remarkable challenge.

Food and drinks during the London to Paris Relay Run are simple, practical and tailored to the needs of a multi-day endurance challenge. Across the five days you’ll experience a mix of included meals, on-the-go fuelling and team-managed provisions.

Breakfasts
Breakfast is included at your hotels in London and Paris. On the camping night and at B&B HOTEL Cergy Saint-Christophe Gare, breakfast is at your own arrangement — either prepared by your team using your support vehicle supplies or purchased locally.

Lunches & On-the-Go Fuel
Lunches are at your own arrangement and are usually taken on the move. Your Support Team will play a key role here, helping organise snacks, quick meals and refuelling stops between stages. We recommend bringing your preferred running snacks, electrolyte drinks and quick-to-prepare foods to keep energy levels steady throughout each day.

Evening Meals
• Night 1 (London): Dinner at The Alexandra, 14 Clapham Common South Side, London SW4 7AA courtesy of Greene King
• Night 2 (Ferry to Dieppe): Food and drinks are available to purchase onboard.
• Night 3 (Camping de la Minière): Dinner is self-catered — teams prepare their own meal using the support vehicle or bring pre-prepared options.
• Night 4 (Cergy): Dinner is at your own arrangement, with several local options available.
• Night 5 (Paris): A celebratory group dinner and drinks at The Bombardier is included courtesy of Greene King — a great chance to bring the whole experience together and mark the achievement in support of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Hydration
Teams are encouraged to refill bottles and flasks throughout the route to minimise single-use plastics. Your Support Team will help manage water supplies and ensure the runners stay well hydrated each day. There will also be water containers available at the transition points.

This simple, flexible approach keeps the focus on running strong as a team, managing your energy well, and enjoying the shared challenge from London to Paris.

Having the right insurance in place is essential for taking part in the London to Paris Relay Run. This includes travel insurance for all participants and vehicle insurance for the Support Teams driving through the UK and France.

Travel Insurance (Compulsory)

It is compulsory for every participant to have adequate travel insurance in place before joining the challenge. Your policy must include cover for:
• The full value of your trip
• Emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation
• Personal liability
• Cancellation and curtailment
• Loss or damage to luggage and personal effects
• Pandemic-related travel disruption

For UK residents, we have partnered with Campbell Irvine Direct to provide suitable travel insurance options for adventure challenges. You are welcome to contact Campbell Irvine Direct for a quote if you wish to arrange cover through them.

You must send a copy of your Travel Insurance Policy to Adventurous Ewe no later than 60 days prior to departure.

Vehicle Insurance (Support Teams)

Support Teams driving the team vehicle from London to Paris must ensure the vehicle is covered by:
• Fully comprehensive vehicle insurance valid in both the UK and France
• European breakdown cover, including roadside assistance and recovery
• Proof of vehicle registration and insurance documents carried in the vehicle at all times

Drivers must also comply with French motoring requirements, including carrying all legally required items (e.g., high-visibility vests and warning triangle).

Passport & Entry Requirements

It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and fully compliant with France’s Schengen entry rules before travelling on the London to Paris Relay Run.

France follows Schengen area requirements. Your passport must:

• Have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive in France
• Have an expiry date at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen area

(If your passport was renewed before 1 October 2018, it may have extra months added to its expiry date — so always check the issue date carefully.)

For the latest information, please refer to the UK Government’s official guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements

Visa Requirements

You can travel to France without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period when visiting the Schengen area for:

• Tourism
• Visiting family or friends
• Business meetings
• Cultural or sporting events
• Short-term studies or training

Your passport will be stamped on entry and exit to ensure you remain within your 90-day travel allowance.

Please make sure your passport meets all requirements well before departure to avoid any disruption to your journey.