Peco Cross Country League

How does it work?

Any club member can enter and there is no limit on numbers. Finishers are split into male / females and given a token indicating their position. The finishing positions for the first 8 men and first 5 ladies are added together to arrive at team scores. Team positions and points are awarded on the basis of lowest to highest score. It doesn't matter if you don't score directly as your participation will possibly push up the scores of other teams. If any club doesn't have 8 men or 5 lady finishers, the missing members are each allocated a finish position of 30 higher than the last place!
The scoring for the veterans league is also based on finishing positions, with the first club finisher in each age category to count.
Everyone is also included in gender based leagues based on overall and age category finishing positions. If you participate in one or more races - you will appear in the results somewhere. Race times are not recorded.

What are the courses like?

Very few people liked running cross countries at school, but as sensible adults we seem to relish all those conditions we hated! The courses are predominantly through grass or ploughed fields, often with some woodlands, sometimes parkland and never flat. They usually fall within a distance of 4.5 - 5 miles or thereabouts, accuracy not really being essential. Sometimes water is involved - streams or ditches, but more often rainwater puddles.
Perversely, 99% of finishers really enjoy each race...especially once they have recovered.

Am I quick enough?

If you can run to the Water Tower and back - yes! There are around 300 runners at each race...some are quick...some aren't. The atmosphere is always good and everyone receives applause and encouragement as they cross the finish line. Give it a try.

How do I enter?

You simply turn up and register on the morning with an entry fee of £2 (£3 if food available afterwards). The junior races start at 10:00am and 10:20 and the main race at 11:00 pm. Races are all on a Sunday and are rarely cancelled due to bad weather!