Cross Country – What’s That? Answers to some FAQs…
What’s a Cross Country Race?
• They are multi-terrain races taking in mud, gravel, grass, road, water crossings, ditches, banks
and hills. Shepshed Running Club takes part in the Leicestershire League and there will be
five races over the winter.
That sounds great fun, can anyone do it?
• Yes, it’s for all abilities and newcomers are really welcome. The races are part of a league, so
you do need to be a member of a club, preferably SRC.
Do I need any special equipment?
• You’ll need some off-road shoes. Popular shoes include Innov8 mudclaws or Walsh PBs, but
there are loads to choose from. Spikes are best avoided as a beginner.
• You’ll also need a club vest; you need to be wearing club colours to start the race. It’s ok to
put the vest over a top if it’s a cold day.
How much does it cost?
• Typically, it costs about £6. You’ll need to bring cash on the day (preferably exact change),
cross country hasn’t gone cashless yet…
Over what distance are the races run?
• Typically the races are about 5 miles in distance. Distance and time are less important in
cross country, it’s all about your position at the end of the race. It’s difficult to compare times
from race to race because of the changing conditions and terrain.
Do I need to enter in advance like a road race?
• No, you can turn up on the day and enter with the club. You do need to be a club member
though.
What else do I need to bring on the day?
• It’s generally going to be a bit chilly, so bring something to keep you warm before the race and
to change into afterwards. You’re likely (inevitably) going to get damp and muddy, so bring a
towel too and a change of shoes and socks. A separate bag for your muddy shoes is a good
idea.
• Typically, for race day, I’ll race in shorts and vest (I’ll put the vest over a long sleeve shirt if it’s
a bit chilly). I’ll arrive wearing my hoodie and coat, with walking trousers over my shorts. A
hat’s a good thing to have too. After the race I’ll have a fresh top, my walking trousers, socks
and clean shoes to change into. I also have a belt pocket thingy to put my phone, valuables
and keys in during the race.
• I’ll also take water, hand sanitiser, and cakes. Have I mentioned the cakes yet?
What’s with the cakes?
• Cakes are the reward for running in mud on a Sunday morning. If you enjoy baking, then
please bring some home-made cakes. If not, then bring some bought cakes. If you have
neither, don’t worry, there are plenty to share with a mug of hot tea or coffee provided by the
club. Cakes are the foundation of a happy cross country experience.
What facilities can I expect?
• The club will take a tent for you to get changed in and to provide shelter if it’s raining. You can
keep your bags in there during the race (but you may want to keep your valuables with you).
• The club will also bring along flasks of hot water, mugs, tea, coffee, herbals, milk, sugar etc so
that you can have a hot brew after the race with your cake of choice.
• The race organisers will lay on first-aiders and the usual level of support that you’d expect at
any race. Most events have toilet facilities, but some don’t, so if you’re concerned by this,
check beforehand.
How do I get there?
• The event joining instructions will be posted on the club Facebook, WhatsApp and Web pages
prior to the race. However, parking is always limited at the events so its best to car share. We
normally meet up in the car park next to the Iveshead School swimming baths at a time
advertised on our social media (normally about 09:30 for a race start at 11:00).
But why?
• There are many good reasons. The league races are very welcoming and the runners are a
friendly crowd. There’s a strong camaraderie amongst a bunch of runners who have left a
warm bed to race in a muddy field.
• It’s really good for your running. The changes in terrain mean that your body is constantly
adapting to the conditions and so working a whole new set of muscles. This is unlike road
racing where the running process can be very repetitive. So you’ll get stronger (core as well
as legs), probably fitter, your agility and balance will improve and you’ll be faster when the
road race season starts. The softer ground is also easier on your joints.
• It’s competitive, but as with all racing, it’s up to you how hard you want to push. No one will
be bothered if you feel like a gentle breeze around the course or just want to take in the
atmosphere. But you can go full-gas if you want to.
• And there are cakes after the race.
Is it dangerous?
• You’ll be running on slippy surfaces and over and around obstacles. You need to take care
and just sometimes, people fall over and hurt themselves.
So what happens on the day?
• We gather in the school car park, car-share and make our way to the event.
• At the event a tented village appears from nowhere as each running club puts up a tent for its
members and flies their flag. So when you arrive, look for the SRC flag.
• The club team captain or other ‘responsible adult’ will collect a signing-on sheet from race
control and then take your name. You’ll need to pay your entry fee at this point to the team
captain.
• As the time of race draws near, we’ll have a warm up and form up for the start.
• The race course will be marshalled; so follow the route and guidance they have to offer. It’s
nice to thank the marshals if you’ve any spare breath.
• After the finish line, you’ll need to go down the appropriate funnel (there’s one each for ladies
and gents) and get in line in the order you finished. As you shuffle through, a marshal will give
you a metal tab with your finishing position stamped on it. Keep this token!
• Cheer on your team mates and fellow competitors and make your way back to the tent.
• Make sure you keep warm and dry.
• The team captain will take your token, writing your finishing position next to your name.
• We then eat cake, have a hot drink, take a team photo and compare notes on how the race
went.
• The entry sheet and the tokens are given back to race control who do something clever with a
spreadsheet and issue the race results later in the day.
• The tent is taken down and we all go home and enjoy a well earned hot shower.