Introduction to Cross Country Racing

Printer friendly fixture list

Carly Needham, Rochdale's XC running sensation, 2007/08 Season

1. Background
2. Differences Between Cross Country and Other Races
3. Kit
4. Red Rose League, including fixtures
5. SELCC League, including  fixtures
6. Other XC fixtures
7. Summary, Cost and How to Enter
8. Printer-friendly version of RR and SEL XC fixtures and start times

1. Background 

Cross country races take place during the winter months, usually on Saturdays.  The courses are muddy, undulating and multi lap affairs.  The soft ground underfoot reduces the chances of injury (compared to road running) and each week your body learns to keep going faster for longer.  P.b.'s in other races often follow in the next spring.   Don't worry if you haven't done cross country since school - you won't be the only one!

Rochdale Harriers & A.C. compete with runners of all abilities in two main cross country leagues:

• The Red Rose Cross Country League ("Red Rose"); and the

• The South East Lancs Cross Country League ("SEL" or "SELCC").

You need to register ASAP with Colin or Brenda to take part in these races (see below).  
 

2. Differences Between Cross Country and Other Races

Cross country races are a little different from what you may be used to, for example:

• You are given a race number and you use this same number for all races that season in the same league. So you need to remember to bring the number along to each race (don't throw it away after the first race);
• Men and Women usually race separately on the same day.  Typically the Women's course is shorter than the men's course;
• Often the Youth and Women races are combined;
• Time is not so important as finishing position.  The objective, unlike many mass races, is to pass the runner in front and not let anyone pass you.  In the league rankings your position is what scores points;
• If a race has fewer runners you get a better position, even though you might be no faster.  So by doing more of the races you increase your chances of attending one with a lower turn out, getting a good position as a result and potentially beating a better runner in the final rankings!
• If you pre-register you don't pay per race, its a flat fee covering however many you want to do in that particular league; and
• The clubs generally pitch a tent by the start line for changing, storing belongings and so on. 

six of Rochdale's finest, Boggart Hole Clough, season 2007/08

3. Kit

The basic kit is as follows:

• Your race number and pins;
• Rochdale Harriers & A.C. vest;
• shorts or similar;
• socks;
• low midsole running shoes with good grip (see below)
• ideally a dry towel, a drink and a complete change of clothing, including shoes, for after your race;
• optionally gloves in cold weather;
   

The most popular shoes are the traditional cross country "spikes".   Many runners use "fell shoes" instead as these double up for both XC and fell races, whereas spikes are only really of use in XC.  Its a matter of personal preference. 

You can get these shoes at any dedicated running shop (e.g. Sweatshop in Hyde).  Remember to say you are from Rochdale Harriers and don't be embarrassed to ask for the club discount (usually about 10%).

For up-to-date information on the Red Rose XC league fixtures and maps to courses please consult the Red Rose website.

Provisional Fixtures 2009

Sat 3rd October, Blackburn (Witton Park) Course Map (PDF 355K)
Click here for location map (postcode BB2 2TP)

Sat 7th November,  Bury (Chesham) Course Map (GIF 143K)
Click here for location map (multimap ref: SD812120)

Sat 21st November, Bolton (Leverhulme Park)
Course Map (Word 2MB)

Sun 6th December, Rossendale (Marl Pits) Course Map (JPEG 110K)
Click here location for map (postcode BB4 7SW)

Start times: 12.30 for every fixture.

RACE START TIMES
Under 11 Boys and Girls 12.30 pm

Under 13 Boys and Girls 12.45 pm

Under 15 Boys and Girls 1.00 pm

Under 17 Boys and Girls Junior Ladies, Ladies and
Veteran Ladies 1.20 pm

Junior, Senior and Veteran Men 2.00 pm

XC for all ages, Marl Pitts, 2007/08 Season

Leach, Cook and Stainthorpe, season 2007/08

5. South East Lancs Cross Country League

Provisional details 2009/10:

Start times:

U 11 Boys   1.00pm          U 11 Girls   1.00pm
U 13 Boys   1.10pm          U 13 Girls   1.10pm
U 15 Boys   1.20pm          U 15 Girls   1.20pm
U 17 Youths 1.35pm          U 17 Inters  1.35pm
Senior Ladies  2.00pm        Senior Men  2.30pm

6.  Other Cross Country Races

ln addition we also field athletes for the Greater Manchester XC Championships, the Northern XC Championships  and the English National XC Championships .  

Cross country running is one of the few sports where international standard athletes compete side-by-side with mortals.  For example, entry to the National XC championship race is open to all club runners regardless of ability.

National XC Championships 2008

National XC Championships, Parliament Hill, London, 2009.

7. Summary, Cost and How to Enter

Cross country is dirty, fun, sociable, hard and a great way of improving your fitness, whatever your ability.

Entry to the Red Rose League cost £3 for under 15's and £4 for everyone else.  This fee covers all 4 races.

Entry to the SELCC League cost £3 for under 15's and £3.50 for everyone else. Again this fee covers all 4 races.

Interested members of Rochdale Harriers usually enter all 8 XC races for £7.50 (but home commitments mean most folk don't compete in all 8).

It is best to pre-register with Colin or Brenda ASAP, so your name can be entered onto the computer in the relevant leagues.