Chiltern Cross Country League
10 YEARS OF REDWAY RUNNERS CROSS COUNTRY!
Redway Runners have been a part of the ‘CHILTERN CROSS COUNTRY LEAGUE’ since October 2014.
To celebrate this anniversary we want to get as many people involved as possible. Each year the Chiltern League awards the Dennis Orme trophy to the highest percentage increase in number of performances by runners of all age groups over the previous season. We would love to win it this year- it really is the taking part that counts!
So, how do I sign up?!
Email the Redway Runners cross country address xc@redwayrunners.com giving your name, date of birth, and England Athletics number.
Then join the Facebook group to get all the latest updates.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/rrcrosscounty/
Cross country mythbusters
I’ll be last: that’s very unlikely. In the last 10 years of Redway Runners of all ages and abilities taking part in the Chiltern League, none have ever come last (unless by design!). You can be as competitive as you like. Try to overtake as many people as you can, use the run to see improvements in your own performance, or enjoy the fresh air and have a chatty run with friends. There’s room for all!
It’s too elite for me: Yes, there are some fantastic runners from lots of different clubs, but you will be cheered on by the spectators however quickly you run. There are runners with lots of experience and all the gear, but there are more runners in “normal” running gear who do it for the camaraderie and sense of achievement.
I’ll fall over: It’s up to you how you run. If you want to run as fast as you can down a muddy hill there’s a chance you might slip, but if (like many of our previous participants) you would rather not fall, just slow down and watch your footing. Falling can usually be avoided! We recommend trying an “off-road” parkrun for some practise before the season starts, such as Bury Field or Rushmere, so you can get a good feel for the type of terrain you will run on.
It’s too far: Women run between 5-6k so only slightly longer than parkrun. Men run a little further, 8-10k.
I don’t have the right gear: Some people wear “spikes” to run in. These are towards the cheaper end of the running shoe spectrum. However you can run perfectly well in trail shoes (and may find these more comfortable), or even normal running shoes especially if the ground is dry. Apart from that, your RR t-shirt or vest and usual running clothes is all that is required.
I can’t get to the venues: We try to share lifts where possible, setting them up via the RR cross country Facebook group.
It’s cold, wet and muddy: The season is October-February so the weather can be variable. If it’s dry and sunny it can be like running on tarmac (in fact some parts of the courses are on paths). If there has been rain, it’s more likely to be muddy. However once you start running you won’t be cold whatever the weather. Bring your bobble hat and coat for after (dry robes anyone?) and the glow of achievement will keep you warm for the rest of the day! The post-run tea, coffee and cake in the RR gazebo afterwards will also help.
I remember school cross country and I hated it: Yes, but this time you have chosen to take part! You will be running with like minded people, for your club. We promise we won’t make you wear anything from the lost property box, and there will be cake at the end!
Cross Country committee
We are delighted to announce that seven of our members, Hannah C, Sarah B, Simon R, Sam D, Jane L, Matthew C, and Fiona S, have taken on the responsibility of managing our adult Cross Country teams for the 2024/2025 season.
This team of managers is brimming with innovative ideas for the upcoming season. If you have any suggestions for ways to improve the RR cross country experience please let them know directly or send an email to xc@redwayrunners.com
Redway Runners U18’s Team Manager is:
- Chris L for under 18s you can contact by mail – U18@redwayrunners.com
As we approach the new season, we will provide more information about plans and what to expect. Stay tuned for these exciting updates!
Further info
What is The Chiltern League?
The Chiltern League is a series of 5 races taking part on a Saturday, once a month between October and February the courses are multi-laps and 5–10 Kilometres long (ladies 5-6k and men’s 8-10k) they are generally run around open countryside on grass.
Ladies and men race on the same day at separate times, usually early afternoon.
It is both an individual and a team sport, runners are judged on individual times and teams by a points-scoring system where the first 10 men and 6 ladies will score for the team.
How much is entry?
Entry is FREE to all England Athletics affiliated Redway Runners members (see your Love Admin account to add EA affiliation if needed) – once registered you will be given a race number to use all season (note if you lose this number a replacement will cost £3)
Who can take part?
All England Athletic affiliated Redway Runners Members can take part but how you represent the club depends on your England Athletics membership
- 1st claim paid England Athletics Affiliation can take part in the league for free and score
- 2nd claim England Athletics Affiliation (if first claim club is in the Chiltern League)have to run for first claim club
- 2nd claim England Athletics Affiliation (if first claim club are not in the Chiltern League)are free but do not score
Non England Athletics Affiliation members cannot take part – If you want to take part you need to add England Athletics Affiliation to your membership (sign in to your Redway Runners Love Admin account, then select ‘Payments’ and ‘Add EA’ on the left)
Do I have to run all the races?
No, you can run as many you like, but the more you do the better for the team
What to wear? And bring with you
Under the league rules all runners must wear club kit, so your Redway Runners Green top (i.e. either tee or vest, if you do not have one they can be ordered from the club shop – but take about 21 days) base layers under this is allowed to keep warm.
Order from the Store under ‘Standard kit at; https://www.redwayrunners.com/club-store/
Shoes will depend on what the weather has been like some of the courses can get very muddy so trail shoes at a minimum will be needed but lot of people favour cross country spikes. Although historically the first race in October is dry so you could use normal road shoes, so you can try before you buy…
Cross Country is held outside over winter, so it can be cold and wet, or dry and sunny. So come prepared with clothing to keep you warm before and after. There is usually a Redway Runners tent, with free tea and coffee provided, where you can leave any belongings (at your own risk).
Help with setting up and dismantling our tent afterwards would be appreciated.
What about under 18’s?
On the day there is also races for younger runners, that are on the same day, for all the details about these contact Chris, his details above
Where and When
All the details of races and results are available at the website for the event at: www.chilternccl.co.uk and will be posted here and on the Facebook group page, when available
2024/25 Fixtures
- 12th October – Keysoe Equestrian Centre, near Bedford
- 9th November – Teardrop Lakes, Milton Keynes
- 30th November – Stopsely Common, Luton
- 11th January – Cassiobury Park, Watford
- 8th February – Horspath, Oxford
Standard timetable for the day is as follows, although Senior Men and Senior Women usually switch order for the last match:
- 11.30 Under 11 Girls
- 11.45 Under 11 Boys
- 12.00 Under 13 Girls
- 12.15 Under 13 Boys
- 12.30 Under 15 Girls
- 12.45 Under 15 Boys
- 13.00 Under 17/20 Women
- 13.15 Senior Women
- 13.40 Under 17 Men
- 14.00 Under 20 & Senior Men
If you have any question please feel free to email, or to contact us via the Redway Runners Cross Country Facebook group.
