We were incredibly proud to once again support Chariots of Fire 2026. Cambridge’s much-loved charitable relay race and this year there was even more reason to celebrate, with our team taking the overall Women’s Race win in 1:16:14!Held on Sunday 20 September, this iconic Cambridge event brought together more than 1,000 runners to race through the historic city centre and grounds of some of Cambridge University’s best-known colleges, all while raising essential funds for the British Heart Foundation.
This year, we were delighted to enter two teams.
Our winning Women’s Team comprised Anna Mortenson, Siobhan Graves, Mary Twichett, Avril Monmont, Rachel Porter and Clare Thurgood
Flying the flag for the Men’s Team were Nigel Berryman, Mike Bishop, Jimmy Casey, Dom Halbert, Carl Pledger and Michael Gaunt himself.
A huge congratulations to everyone who ran – and particularly to our fantastic women, whose outstanding performance saw them cross the line as overall Women’s winners.
Since the event began in 1992, Chariots of Fire has raised more than £1.6 million for local charities, making it an important fixture in Cambridge’s fundraising calendar.
Building on a Winning Tradition
There is something of a competitive tradition to uphold!
Michael and his teammates have enjoyed considerable success at Chariots of Fire over the years, repeatedly winning the Mixed Veterans category. Returning with two teams this year was a wonderful opportunity to continue that tradition while supporting a cause that makes such an important difference to people’s lives.
A Scenic Challenge
Chariots of Fire is a six-person relay, with each runner completing an approximately two-mile loop before handing the baton to their next teammate – making the total team distance around 12 miles.
Starting and finishing on Queens’ Green, the closed-road route takes runners through Cambridge city centre and into the historic grounds of the University colleges.
The course takes in some truly special Cambridge landmarks, including Trinity College and King’s College, riverside paths along the Cam and views of the magnificent King’s College Chapel. Runners also pass through areas of the colleges that are not normally open to the public. A scenic running tour of one of the UK’s most beautiful cities at speed!
Supporting the British Heart Foundation
This year’s event supported the British Heart Foundation (BHF), helping to raise funds for cardiovascular research taking place here in Cambridge.
Money raised through Chariots of Fire will help support research projects at the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart and Lung Research Institute, where scientists and clinicians are working together to advance our understanding of heart and circulatory diseases.
Research supported by the BHF is helping scientists explore inherited heart conditions, congenital heart defects and new ways of protecting the heart and improving recovery following a heart attack.
Community Spirit
One of the things we love about Chariots of Fire is its wonderful sense of community. Runners, supporters, volunteers, local businesses and Cambridge organisations come together for a morning that combines friendly competition with some serious fundraising.
Teamwork is at the heart of the event, and the atmosphere on race day was once again fantastic.
We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported and encouraged our runners, and congratulations to both teams for another brilliant performance.
And, of course, an extra special congratulations to Clare, Rachel, Avril, Mary, Siobhan and Anna.
See You Next Year!
With another memorable Chariots of Fire behind us, we’re already looking forward to the next challenge.
Congratulations to everyone who took part and helped support the British Heart Foundation. It’s wonderful to see this unique Cambridge event continuing to bring people together, raise essential funds and celebrate the joy of running as a team.
If you’d like to join our running team contact us.
Here’s to next year!
