From Rachel Carter…

The rearranged National Cross country races took place on Saturday near Telford (2 1/2h drive away!) . The course was set in the grounds of Weston Park, a country house with rolling parkland – a perfect cross country setting shown in all it’s glory on a warm September day. Organisation was spot on – pre-booked parking, only a couple of 100 metres from the club tents, stalls and toilets, with the course start just beyond. The testing undulating course was dry (mud free!) and grassy but quite rutted in places. I was the only Ilkley Harrier finisher with Archie Budding suffering with hamstring cramp part way through his race and 2 other new to the senior club from juniors entered but not starting due to illness. I finished 71st of 266 senior women over a 5 mile 2 lap course. Results Results – Nationals ’24 | English Cross Country Association. 

Any club runner can take part and these events have a great vibe of a long-standing sport. Next year’s Nationals are on Feb 22nd at Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath with the London Skyline as the back-drop and an expected 8000 athletes taking part – so definitely one for the diary! In the meantime look out for information about the West Yorkshire and Peco Cross country leagues to get some practice in!