Volunteer
Race day cannot take place without volunteers: pioneers, timekeepers, tea helpers and a clubhouse team.
The race-day roles →How you can help
Most help is needed on race day itself, but the clubs welcome offers at any time of year.
Alumni & friends
Former runners and supporters are part of the Match. Come to Wimbledon Common on race day and cheer the teams home.
Where to watch →Partnerships
Interested in supporting the Races? Please email sponsorship@varsityxc.run to start the conversation.
Partnership enquiries →Saturday 5 December 2026 · Wimbledon Common
Help on race day
Each year Thames Hare & Hounds hosts the Races on the first Saturday of December. The day cannot take place without your help and support, and a good number of volunteers keeps it running smoothly.
Pioneers
Mark out the course and stand at key points. The Chief Pioneer co‑ordinates the pioneering. Some pioneers arrive early so that the 4‑mile course is marked out before the Old Blues’ Race at 13:00. The Ladies’ race follows at 14:00 and the Gentlemen’s at 14:45.
Timekeepers and finish marshals
Help set up the start and finish area, then take the times, record the finishing positions and marshal the finish area during the races.
Tea helpers
Help prepare and serve the teas in the clubhouse after the races.
Clubhouse
Not the most glamorous job, but an important one: help the students out of the clubhouse and on their way to the dinner by about 17:00, then tidy the clubhouse and lock up.
Can you help? Please email simon@scmolden.co.uk as soon as possible, and say which role you would like.
Email to volunteer →Clubs, host & partners
Thames Hare & Hounds
Host club · Wimbledon Common
OUCCC
Oxford University Cross-Country Club
CUH&H
Cambridge University Hare & Hounds
Sponsorship. To talk about supporting the Varsity Match, email sponsorship@varsityxc.run.
Email about sponsorship →