Cross country races take place over the winter (mostly October to March, inclusive). They can be any distance up to ultras and 24-hour endurance events, though most are between three and six miles in length. Distances will be approximate,
Terrain can be almost anything apart from tarmac roads. In East Anglia we are blessed with being able to run on beaches, through forests, across farmland and across and along rivers and streams. Expect to get wet and muddy at times, so always take a full change of clothing. Start/finish locations can be very basic and very rural. A Dryrobe or large towel might come in handy for a post-race change; likewise a flask of coffee.
Kit need not cost a fortune. Road trainers might not give sufficient grip but cross country or trail shoes can be picked up cheaply from online retailers such as Decathlon, or visit Sportlink shop in Taverham. In very muddy or icy conditions, cross country spikes can give extra grip and confidence. On forest trails, you might get away with road shoes.
Events
Suffolk Winter League
BBDRC are members of the League and we organise one of the events. Races for seniors will be around 5 miles in length, juniors over 11 years around 2 miles.
Runners must wear official Club kit-notably the Scimitar design, not the Tri kit or older versions. There is no pre-entry. Simply turn up at the venue well before the start time, find the Club reps and pay £5 cash (seniors) or £2 (juniors). Run the race and, just as in parkrun, collect your finish position token as you finish. The important bit is to return your position token to the club rep as soon as possible. The reps collate the results and they want to finish and have a cup of tea and cake. You may get a frosty reception if you depart for a half-hour cool down before thinking about handing in your token.
All ages and speeds are welcome though the league does have a No Walking The Whole Race rule. This was introduced a few years ago after a particularly wet and cold December event where the tail runner turned up dressed to run and followed the last participants who walked the whole route. The tail runner narrowly escaped hypothermia.
As with many events, you will be competing against others in your five-year age category. Your category is determined by your age on the day of the first race of the season.
2024 – 25 events
https://suffolkathletics.org.uk/suffolk-winter-league/
Date Venue Organisers
3rd November 2024 Framlingham Framlingham Flyers
1st December 2024 Sutton Heath Woodbridge Shufflers RC
12th January 2025 Haughley Park Stowmarket Striders
19th January 2025 Horseheath Haverhill Running Club
9th February 2025 Pakenham Saint Edmund Pacers
16th February 2025 Woburn Farm, Corton Bungay Black Dog RC
East Anglian Cross Country League. The Wednesday League
The EACCL was originally founded in 1963. It was organised by the Military in East Anglia. Races are held on Wednesday afternoons (the time when armed forces personnel and UEA students have time off for sport and recreation). Ten years ago, the League was in danger of folding as RAF and Army bases closed. Jude Durrant took over the reins and the League is now organised by civilians.
If you have never tried cross country and doubt your abilities, then the EACCL is probably your best starting point. Participants range from school age up into the 80s. All paces are welcome, though if you will be taking longer than 70 minutes to complete the course, please let the organisers know so they can keep an eye out for you.
The League organises a series of ten events, predominantly in Norfolk, over the period October to March. Races usually start at 14.00 and cover 3 – 6 miles. Just as with parkrun, the EACCL depends on runners entering their details onto the League database. Registration is free and is a one-off process each season unless your details change. At the finish of each event runners receive a position token (as in parkrun) and these are scanned by finish staff together with the runner’s personal identity tag (which is often, but need not be, their parkrun barcode).
The tenth race of the season ends with a buffet and prize presentation. Prizes are awarded to the winning individuals in five-year age categories, to winning teams and to those who have run all ten races.
BBDRC do not currently enter a team into the League. Doggies tend to run for Sportlink (free, once you’ve purchased a vest or T shirt) or as Individuals. Individuals currently pay £5 for the season i.e. 50p a race.
Background info is here:- https://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/20767033.neil-featherby-east-anglian-cross-country-league-made-comeback/
2024 – 25 Events
Race 1 Chilton Fields Stowmarket Rugby Club: 30th October 2024
Race 2 Mousehold Heath: 20th November 2024
Race 3 Caister Beach: 27th November 2024
Race 4 Whitwell Station: 18th December 2024
Race 5 Broadland Country Park: 15th January 2025
Race 6 Ladybelt Country Park: 12th February 2025
Race 7 Woburn Farm, Corton: 19th February 2025
Race 8 Whitwell Station part 2: 26th February 2025
Race 9 Cawston Park, Aylsham: 12th March 2025
Race 10 High Lodge, Thetford Forest: 26th March 2025
Ryston Runners Winter Races at Shouldham Warren
Ryston Runners organise a series of six races at Shouldham Warren, West Norfolk. Shouldham Warren is a Forestry Enterprise woodland. Facilities are very basic and the location can be very cold. Routes are “undulating”. You can enter races online.
2024 – 25 Events
https://www.rystonrunners.org.uk/index.php/cross-country-series
Race 1 13th October 2024
Race 2 3rd November 2024
Race 3 12th January 2025
Race 4 9th February 2025
Race 5 16th March 2025
Norwich Road Runners Horsford Cross Country Series
Three races run on trails in Horsford/Felthorpe woods. Turn up and pay cash on the day to enter. Three laps for seniors. Be warned-the woods can be chilly on a frosty morning.
2024 – 25 Events
https://norwichroadrunners.co.uk/broadland-country-park-xc
Race 1: 10th November2024
Race 2: 1st December 2024
Race 3: 2nd February 2025
County Championships
Usually take place on the second Sunday in January. You qualify to take part by either being born in the county or by having lived there for the last 9 months. You can only take part in one county. Don’t think this is just for the fasties; all abilities are welcome. Races for seniors will be 10km. See County Athletics websites for further details. Be aware that Suffolk, especially, has an early date of last entry-possibly well before Christmas. Plan well ahead. Expect a tough run, but a deep sense of satisfaction when you finish.
Reepham Runners Whitwell cross country
Run in January from the picturesque Whitwell railway station. Starting on the lovely Marriotts Way, runners soon deviate into bog, mire and ditch. Be prepared for chilblains. A total change of clothing is a must and a supply of warm water might come in handy. Lovely cake at the Station café and the trains are a good entertainment for supporters.
West Acre Wild 10km
Run in November. The event is around 10km and may accept canicross entries. Optional obstacles to tackle plus a water crossing.
Stody Estate cross country
Organised in February/March by North Norfolk Beach Runners. Farmland and tracks which can be muddy. Good cake. This event raises funds for Break Charity.
Houghton Hall cross country
Another trail and farmland event organised in November by West Norfolk AC.
Run Henham
Organised by a commercial company on the estate where the Latitude Festival is held. Held in November with 5km and 10km options.
Summary
There are other events springing up all the time. Keep an eye on Total Race Timing and Run Anglia facebook feed.
Health warning: This information was current at the time of writing (March 2025). Do check times, dates, locations and costs before attending.
