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 (8km)
in length, juniors (minimum school year 5) 3km.
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.
2026 – 27 events
https://suffolkathletics.org.uk/suffolk-winter-league/
Date Venue Organisers
25th October 2026 Framlingham Framlingham Flyers
29th November 2026 Sutton Heath Woodbridge Shufflers RC
10th January 2027 Haughley Park Stowmarket Striders
24th January 2027 Woburn Farm, Corton Bungay Black Dog RC
14th February 2027 Pakenham Saint Edmund Pacers
21st February 2027 Horseheath Haverhill Running Club
TBA 2027 Presentation Evening
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/
2026 – 27 Events
https://eaccl.org.uk/
Race 1 Chilton Fields Stowmarket Rugby Club: 28th October 2026
Race 2 Mousehold Heath: 11th November 2026
Race 3 Repps: 25th November 2026
Race 4 Whitwell Station: 9th December 2026
Race 5 Broadland Country Park: 13th January 2027
Race 6 Corton nr Lowestoft: 27th January 2027
Race 7 Rodney Freeburn Ladybelt Country Park: 10th February 2027
Race 8 Cromer beach, 24th February 2027
Race 9 TBD: 10th March 2027
Race 10 TBD: 24th March 2027
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.
2026-2027 Events
Race 1 11th October 2026
Race 2 15th November 2026
Race 3 13th December 2026
Race 4 10th January 2027
Race 5 7th February 2027
Race 6 14th March 2027
Norwich Road Runners Broadland Country Park 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.
2026-2027 Events
https://www.facebook.com/HorsfordXC/?locale=en_GB
Race 1: 8th November 2026
Race 2: 20th December 2026
Race 3: 31st January 2027
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 October/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 (October 2026). Do check times, dates, locations
and costs before attending.
