Hundreds of runners conquered a 200-mile route around London’s greenbelt last weekend, in the 18th race of its kind.

The Green Belt Relay, which starts at Hampton Court Palace and finishes at the Hawker Centre, saw 33 teams of 11 runners complete the mammoth course on May 17 and 18.

Each runner completes one of the 11 legs of the course each day and runs about 20 miles each during the weekend relay.

Race director Peter Kennedy, 44, said: “We had quite a good turnout and it went really well. It was ace.

“The changeovers are usually in small villages and because it was such nice weather it was a really good atmosphere because there were lots of people outside having a beer. It was really special.”

Richmond’s Ranelagh Harriers, captained by Michelle Davies, finished in 16th place after they completed the course in 29 hours 57 minutes, while the club’s second team came 30th with a time of 35 hours 24 minutes.

Awards were presented to the teams, which included the Hampton Wick Wanderers who took 31 hours 25 minutes to complete the course, at the Hawker Centre on Sunday, May 18.

Mr Kennedy, from Kingston, said: “We are hoping for 40 teams next year.”

For more information on the relay, visit greenbeltrelay.org.uk.