The weekend of 20th September saw the return of Equinox24 to the scenic grounds of Belvoir Castle. This unique 24-hour running event takes place on a challenging 10k loop of mixed terrain and hosted hundreds of runners across multiple race formats.
Competitors could enter solo, in pairs, or as part of a team, with the goal to complete as many laps as possible within 24 hours. For those after a less intense challenge, standalone day and night 10k races were also on offer.
The event began at noon on Saturday, with both 10k and 24-hour runners setting off together to cheers from the crowd and support from the camps. GRCโs own Jake Richardson led the charge from the front.
As day turned to night, the weather turned too, bringing 40mph winds and sideways rain. Despite the punishing conditions, GRC runners showed grit and spirit, collectively covering 158 laps, or 963 miles, earning two podium finishes and four bronze pins.
๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ ๐๐พ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ผ๐
๐ข๐ป ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ผ๐ฐ๐ธ๐
One of GRCโs two small teams, this resilient fivesome battled through pre-event injuries and illness to complete 17 laps in total.
Even as soggy tents flapped and mud thickened underfoot, their spirits remained high. They embraced the miles, the mayhem, and most of all, each otherโs companyโa reminder that while the weather might win a few battles, team spirit always wins the war.
๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ ๐ก๐ฎ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ปโ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ป๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ช๐ฎ๐น๐ธ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐
Running in memory of Nathan Walker, this 5-person team upheld tradition with a performance full of emotion and camaraderie.
CJ Walker, team captain, opened the run with her first-ever starting leg. The buzz at the start line carried her through a strong three-lap performance, especially enjoying her night leg.
Belinda Baker, deep in marathon training, ran a superb five laps over 24 hours, buoyed by GRC banter and a great atmosphere.
Holly Durham, a seasoned Equinox soloist, returned as part of a team this yearโand embraced the fun, often seen with prosecco in hand and a smile on her face.
Penny Hodges, returning from a two-year running break, completed a commendable first lap. She later braved the wettest, muddiest conditions sheโd seen in 10 years.
Paul Davis closed out the teamโs effort. Despite the grim weather, he described the experience as brilliant, highlighting the joy of sharing time with teammates and the GRC family.
๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ ๐๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ
This large team delivered a stellar effort to finish 3rd in the Large Teams category, with a total of 33 laps.
Jake Richardson, team pathfinder, ran four strong laps and clocked the teamโs fastest at 34:03.
Sam Jepson, Riley Maksymiw-Magan, and Nicola Ruston-Litchfield each completed four laps, showing consistency and determination as conditions worsened.
Russel and Jonny put in powerhouse performances, running six laps each and holding strong paces throughout.
Peter Jennings was a standout, grinding out five laps with no loss of pace, embodying team grit and endurance.
Their mix of toughness and team spirit earned them a well-deserved spot on the podium. For captain Russel, the event has become a calendar highlight, and crossing the line carrying the GRC flag was a moment of pride.
๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ ๐๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐๐ฟ๐๐ฒ๐
A large team of seven GRC runners, Team Gee Arsey brought the funโwith strong runs and standout fancy dress in the beer run.
Chris, amid marathon training, ran three laps and loved the eventโs atmosphereโeven if he didnโt love waking at 2am for a freezing night lap.
Kev Wallace followed with a steady four-lap performance.
David Amos-Reeves ran three quick laps, describing the event as the most connected heโd ever felt to GRC.
Holly Wragg, pleased with her fast laps, was thankful for only one rain-soaked run after doing solo last year.
Nicci Whittaker, having tackled the 10k the year before, pushed herself to 30k in team format. Despite the downpours, she loved the team vibe.
Judi Allsopp ran three strong laps and said she had a blast despite the wind and rain.
Sylv Hull, team leader and snack aficionado, ran three laps and ate lots.
๐ฆ๐ผ๐น๐ผ ๐ฅ๐๐ป๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ๐
For the truly brave (or mad), the solo category required runners to face the full 24 hours alone. GRC had six members go solo.
๐ข Jo Grace
Joโs strategy was simple: just keep going. With a cheery attitude and a steady supply of full-fat cola, she ran an impressive 12 laps, only briefly resting to escape the rain.
โซ๏ธ Luke Turner
Attempting his third solo run, Luke aimed to finally reach 10 laps. A new strategyโrunning three laps back-to-back with fewer breaksโworked initially. But by lap five, his troublesome knee gave warning signs. He wisely pulled out after six laps, avoiding serious injury. Still, heโs one lap closer to his dream and already signed up for next year.
๐ข Richard Ruston-Litchfield
Hoping for 100km in his third Equinox, Richard was hampered by illness and meds in the lead-up. Despite that, he ground out six solid laps. Disappointed but undeterred, heโs already set his sights on returning stronger next year.
โซ๏ธ Russ Maksymiw
Back to make amends after injury last year, Russ avoided the temptation to go out too fastโstarting late and sticking to his plan. Cheered on by GRC and the brilliant marshals, he smashed his goal of 10 laps, earning a well-deserved bronze pin. He described the result as โover the moonโ worthy.
๐ข Ross Warden
After debuting in a team last year, Ross took the leap to solo. Pacing himself early paid off, with the first few laps breezing by. But foot pain and stormy weather forced a short rest. He rallied to finish on 10 laps, bagging a bronze pinโand the ability to walk away (literally) intact.
โซ๏ธ Simon Allsopp
Having completed the Three Peaks and coast-to-coast bike rides, Simon finally took on his dream of an ultra. Battling knee pain, he achieved his goal of 100km and praised the event as โa brilliant experience.โ Though it took a week to walk again, he was thrilled to have ticked it off.
๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ญ๐ฌ๐
Daniel Wallace: 54:15
Melissa Winter: 59:48
Jessica Taylor: 1:02:07
Robert Croston: 1:05:25
Catherine Wallace: 1:06:26
Owen Wainwright: 1:06
Rebecca Harper: 1:18:09
๐ก๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ ๐ญ๐ฌ๐
Joaquim Jeronimo: 39:05 (2nd Place)
James McMullen: 47:20
Daniel Wallace: 54:15
Melissa Winter: 59:48
Jessica Taylor: 1:02:07
Martin Carter: 1:02:49
Owen Wainwright: 1:03:07
Rob Croston: 1:05:25
Catherine Wallace: 1:06:26
Rebecca Harper: 1:18:09
Equinox24 2025 was a triumph for GRC in every senseโcommunity, perseverance, and fun. Whether clocking solo ultras, grinding team miles in the rain, or dressing up for beer runs, every member contributed to a weekend of unforgettable memories.
Summary: 963 miles. 158 laps. Rain. Wind. Mud. Prosecco. And above allโGRC spirit.