CROSS COUNTRY Mud and glory … or just the mud
Rain, wind, cold and muddy kit but no goody bags or spot prizes, cans of beer or standing in the pub afterwards reviewing the finer points of race positions and times. Then you are asked to help take down the club tent with freezing fingers. So why? Well when I started cross
country running back in the mid-60s I felt it gave my legs the opportunity to develop overall strength, plus the power of the mind to make the most of future speed sessions. Such distance stars as Ron Hill, Brendan Foster, Dave Bedford and Ian Stewart all raced over the countryside during their progress to greater glory.
The season starts in October with the Complete Runner League (CRL) – four races, all before Christmas. Ladies run 6km which is nice and short considering the men have to tackle 10km. There are junior races too, from under-11s to under-17s. At the sharp end there will be some top class local runners but there are always plenty of modest pace runners as well. If you are not already signed up, late entries can be made through the club at least 10 days before the race, no entry on the day. The PECO League starts with two races just before Christmas and three after. The PECO League is generally considered to be lower key and more ‘friendly’. Entry is on the day and men and women run together over a five mile course. A couple of years ago Shirley Wood initiated the popular junior races that precede the main race. League results are based on teams containing every senior and veteran age group, so it really does cater for all. Also coming up, Championships in
January and Relay events including the Yorkshire Vets, more in next Newsletter. Diane Haggar, CRL team co-ordinator
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As for myself I ran all my all time PBs from 800 metres to a marathon off a good solid winter’s cross country running. So come on Team Ilkley, the Complete Runner League races are a chance like the Harrogate League to get that team buzz and show off our club spirit and depth. While preparing the body and mind for faster times and more fun.
Hope to see lots of you very soon for
some fun and mud, but whatever you do this winter keep well and enjoy your running and as the late, great Phil Dean said once ‘wear your club vest with pride’. Malcolm Pickering, Mens XC Captain
WHY RACE CROSS COUNTRY?
• great atmosphere, lots of supporters • club tent is a focal point to meet • team events – your club needs you! • junior races – bring the kids
• road runners get stronger and improve stride and times
• fell runners get faster and improve leg speed, improving descents
So get the XC bug this year … you know you want to! – Di Haggar
COMPLETE RUNNER LEAGUE Sun 10 October at Nunroyd Park, Guiseley Sat 30 October at Huddersfield Sat 20 November at Bramley Park
Sat 4/Sun 5 December (tbc) at Thornes Park, Wakefield PECO LEAGUE
Dates tba, see PECO section of club website. ILKLEY HARRIERS NEWSLETTER • SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2010
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