Cross Country Series 2016-2017 (Suffolk Winter League)
Hello Folks
It’s that time again when the nights are drawing in and the wet and wind can be heard outside, yes it’s the Cross Country series upon us again.
The following dates have been set and been added to our events calendar so please put them in your diary ready to support team Red….
30th Oct 2016 – Framlingham. Fram Flyers hosting.
Always a good start to the series, likely to be a lap of the meadow to spread runners out then three laps of fields/mere/moat before heading to the finish. And all in close proximity to the iconic castle.
The race HQ is on The Sports Club, Badingham Rd, IP13 9HS
4th December 2016 – Woodbridge. Woodbridge Shufflers hosting.
Usually the best footing of all the XC races, a double lap around sandy tracks before heading across a field to the finish, although in ’15 the route was adjusted to a single lapper. Some tarmac in places so spikes not always advisable.
The race HQ is at Sutton Village Hall IP12 3EQ
15th January 2017 – Stowmarket. Stow Striders hosting.
A proper cross country race with mud, grass, trees, mud, slopes, ditches and mud, two laps around Haughley Park in lovely surroundings. Not a car or road in sight.
The race HQ is a tent in a field at Haughley Park IP14 3JY
19th February 2017 – Bungay. Bungay Black Dog hosting.
At this time in the year the ground underfoot is usually sodden so it will come as no surprise that this one is rated as the muddiest with standing water in many places. This is the same venue as will be used for the Suffolk Cross Country Champs in Jan so could be a double header for some. A very grand country estate is the setting for this one, and good for spectators / dog walkers too!
The race HQ is Heveningham Hall IP19 0PN
5th March 2017 – Bury St Edmunds. St Edmunds Pacers hosting.
Last in the series sees a double lap of Nowton Park which, depending on weather conditions, can be a gentle run or a slippery mud bath. parkrunners note this is the venue of the BSE version each Saturday.
The race HQ is Nowton Park in Bury St Edmunds IP29 5BD
26th March 2017 – Haverhill XC
Possible new fixture to add to the schedule, no details or confirmation has been given that this is happening yet but keep the date in mind.
The system is the same as previous years, turn up to the venue in plenty of time to get yourself prepared and check in with Solly, Robin, Jonathan or whichever FRR representative is holding an obvious clipboard to take down names on. You must run in a FRR T-shirt or vest (red not yellow) and be a UKA competing member, the club will pay your £4 entry fee to the race, then all you have to do is toe the start line ready to support the club.
There’s individual competitions for the series alongside the club competition. Numbers really do count in the latter, not just performance, so don’t be put off if you suspect you’re not “fast enough”. In typically FRR fashion, if you’re keen enough, you’re fast enough!
All welcome and encouraged.
Dave Solomon (Vice Captain)
