Cross Country

Surrey League

We compete in the Surrey League and this is the club’s main priority. There are 4 fixtures during the season starting in October. Further details on times, location etc. will be posted nearer the time in the Shorts newsletter and on facebook. Please keep these dates free if at all possible.

This season both our men and women compete in Division 1. You need to be EA registered to compete in the Surrey League and most other events.

Distance

The men’s Surrey League races are around 8km, while the women’s races start at 6km in the autumn, increasing to 8km in the New Year. Distances of other races vary, ranging from around 8km in the autumn to 12km and over for the men later in the season.

Scoring

In the Surrey League, the first 5 women for the club and the first 10 men qualify for the scoring team, so it is important that we field as many of our strongest runners as possible. Cross country races are suitable for runners of all abilities, and in both the women’s and the men’s Surrey League there is now a B team competition where the second 5 and 10 runners respectively score.

These races are an excellent way of improving overall fitness, with the uneven and hilly terrain providing good strength and endurance training, from which you will reap benefits over a wide range of races. Members who have joined recently are encouraged to take part. These are team events and provide a good opportunity to get to know other club members.

Surrey League entry

All those intending to take part should inform their captains to enable online entries to be made in advance. Race numbers are kept for the entire season. This means that runners should return their numbers to their captains after the race, or take them home, in which case they must remember to take them to the next race. The Surrey League is free for all runners. Second claim members can compete in the Surrey League, but not in most other cross country races.

Other Races

In addition to the Surrey League there are a number of other cross country races, most of which take place on Saturdays. For those who are keen, it is possible to find a race on most Saturdays during the season. Races include the county champs (including Masters), London Champs, two South of Thames races, South of England and National champs. There are also a number of other races for Masters especially for those affiliated to Veterans AC as a second claim member. See the fixture list in Shorts and on the website poster above.

Which races to go for

There are cross country races on many Saturdays from early October until late February. Our main priorities are the 4 Surrey League races, and the other 5 races that make up the Ken Crooke cross country champs (see below).

In addition runners are encouraged to compete in the Surrey and Kent county and masters champs depending on where they live or were born.

Entry for other races

For most races other than the Surrey League, your captains have to submit entries in advance, in some cases more than a month before events. Details will be posted in Shorts and by email, requesting those interested in participating to put their names forward in advance of the deadline given, so please read these carefully so you don’t miss out.

With the club paying for entries, you are asked not to put yourself forward on a speculative basis, so please check you are free, but don’t worry if you have to withdraw later for a good reason, such as injury or illness.

Footwear

You can often get away with road or trail shoes in early season races, but as the ground becomes heavier from late autumn onwards, cross country spikes or fell shoes become necessary. You will need to make sure that you buy cross country spikes, as opposed to track spikes. Spikes come in different lengths ranging from 6mm to 15mm and can be screwed in. As the ground becomes heavier longer spikes will be needed, particularly on poorly drained courses such as Parliament Hill and Lloyd Park in the winter months. Fell shoes are studded and have more grip than trail shoes. They are suitable for most ground conditions apart from ice. Cross country shoes can be bought at a number of retail outlets including Run & Become (Victoria), Herne Hill Sports, Runners Need and Sweatshop (various locations). Most offer a 10% discount to those with club or EA membership.

Ken Crooke Championships

For the 2024/25 cross country season, the championship races are the 4 men’s and women’s Surrey League fixtures plus 5 other races. To qualify you need to complete at least 4 events, including a minimum of 1 Surrey League race. There are awards for the first 3 men and women and to the winners of the men’s and women’s 40-49, 50-59 and 60+ age categories. Those mostly 60+, competing for Vets AC in Division 4 at the same venue as Ladies Division 2 will also be included.

Qualifying races are:

  • 4 Surrey League races

    • 12 October - Wimbledon Common (M) / Reigate Priory (L & Vets AC)

    • 9 November - Beckenham (M) / Hurst Green (L & Vets AC)

    • 11 January - TBC (M) / Oxshott (L & Vets AC)

    • 8 February - Lloyd Park (M) / Lloyd Park (L & Vets AC)

  • 16 November - London XC Champs, Parliament Hill

  • 23 November - South of Thames 1, West Horsley Place

  • 7 December - Lloyd Parkrun, Croydon

  • 14/21 December TBC - South of Thames 2, Somerhill School, Tonbridge

  • TBC (February/March) - England XC Championships, Parliament Hill

The rules can be found here (updated 8 October 2024)

Contacts

For further information please contact your captains at: dulwichladiescaptain@gmail.com
alexloftus75@gmail.com
chuckedward@googlemail.com