We enter both the Wessex & Hampshire Cross Country League

All junior members are welcome to participate in cross country running. Cross country running is a sport in which teams and individuals run a race on open-air courses over natural terrain such as dirt or grass. The events are free to enter for junior club members.

What to Bring

CHECKLIST FOR RACE DAY

  • Club vest
  • Four safety pins to attach bib number
  • Spikes or trail shoes
  • Bottle of water
  • Snacks
  • Warm clothes
  • Hat & gloves
  • Waterproofs
  • Towel
  • Bin bag for dirty kit

What to Do

SCHEDULE FOR COMPETITION

  1. Arrive 60 mins before your race
  2. Register at Poole Runners club tent
  3. Collect & pin bib number to club vest
  4. Warm up with team mates
  5. Be at start line 10 mins before your race time
  6. Race and have fun
  7. Warm down and stretch
  8. Hydrate and eat a snack
  9. Put on warm & dry clothes
  10. Cheer on team mates in other races

Distance

HOW FAR DO I RUN?

  • u11 1500m to 2000m
  • u13 2500m to 3000m
  • u15 3000m to 3500m
  • u17 4000m to 5000m

All distances vary depending on course

Top Tips

ADVICE FOR A SUCCESSFUL RACE

  1. Walk the course before you race
  2. Prepare for a fast start
  3. Wrap strong tape around your shoes once tied
  4. Forget about your time & race your opponents
  5. Watch your footing
  6. Have fun & enjoy yourself!

Cross Country Age Groups

Age Group School Year – Wessex School Year – Hampshire
u11 4/5/6 5/6
u13 7/8 7/8
u15 9/10 9/10
u17 11/12 11/12
u20 13 13

Cross Country Racing Lines

HOW TO CORNER WITHOUT LOSING SPEED

Cross Country Racing Lines

ENTER WIDE – CUT IN CLOSE TO BEND – EXIT WIDE

Jumps, water, mud, and hills! Get out in nature and give cross country a go!

Fixtures

Wessex League

The Wessex Cross Country League is an inter-club league supported by Team Dorset whose aim is to provide competition between its member clubs and to promote Cross Country running in general.

The League will consist of three fixtures usually held between September and December each winter season.

  • Fixture 1 – Canford Heath Junior School – Sunday 2nd October 2022
  • Fixture 2 & County Champs – Bryanston School – Sunday 30th October 2022
  • Fixture 3  – Canford School – Sunday 18th December 2022

Entry is free to junior club members but you must pre-register.

Hampshire League

The Hampshire Cross Country League season runs from October to February and comprises five races in Hampshire and neighbouring counties.

Races are usually on the first or second Saturday of the month, from November to March, in Hampshire or just over the border in neighbouring counties.

  • Fixture 1 – Wellesley Woodlands, Aldershot – Saturday 12th November 2022
  • Fixture 2 – King’s Park, Bournemouth – Saturday 3rd December 2022
  • Fixture 3 – Prospect Park, Reading – Saturday 14th January 2022
  • Fixture 4 – Popham Airfield, Basingstoke – Saturday 11th February 2022
  • Fixture 5 – TBC, Southampton – Saturday 4th March 2022

Entry is free to junior club members but you must pre-register.