Question 1

What is Cross Country?

Accepted Answer

Cross Country is essentially “running off road”.  It is mostly a winter sport, used by a lot of runners to keep themselves in good racing form over winter.  Cross Country is often abbreviated “XC”.

Question 2

What is it like?

Accepted Answer

Courses often feature at least one significant hill, and are usually around 5 miles, comprising one or more laps of a marked out course. Courses are mostly on grass/mud and sometimes including sections of hardpack or gravel.  They are usually held within one contained location, such as parks or farmland, so there is no traffic or crossing of roads to worry about.  It is winter, so the courses are often muddy!

Question 3

Who can race?

Accepted Answer

Anyone from 9 to 90! (and older!).  Both leagues usually have shorter races for junior (under 17) age groups in the morning if you have budding runners in the family.  Having the whole family along can make it a nice day out.  See the individual league pages for exact details or ping a member of the committee from the contact us page.

Question 4

Do I need any special equipment?

Accepted Answer

Not really.  The only thing to consider is that where courses are often muddy, road shoes (with a smooth sole) are not adequate.  A cheap pair of trail shoes (which have a textured “grip” on the bottom) are more than adequate.

Question 5

Do I need cross country spikes?

Accepted Answer

No, regular trail shoes are fine. You can use them if you want to though.

Question 6

What races can I enter?

Accepted Answer

Peacehaven Run Club is affiliated to the two main cross country leagues in the area, the Sussex League (https://www.sussexathletics.net/take-part/cross-country/sussex-cross-country-league/)and the East Sussex League.(https://www.eastsussexcrosscountry.co.uk/)  For specific information about each league click on the tabs above.  We will add dates to our events page as they become available each year.

Question 7

Anything else I should know?

Accepted Answer

It’s a lot of fun and very addictive (and very cheap!).  You might find you start to look forward to the cross country season starting more than summer events!

Remember it is in winter, so bring a top and bottoms that you can keep warm in and that is easy to take off on the start line.  It could also be raining of course!  So a waterproof jacket and dry clothes/shoes in the car are sometimes a good idea too.  Oh and a bin bag to put your muddy stuff in if you like to keep your car clean!

Cross Country

Blackcap, Lewes

Stanmer Park, Brighton

Snape Wood, Wadhurst

Ardingly Showground, Ardingly

Abbots Wood, Hailsham

Little Common, Bexhill

Seaford Head, Seaford

Coombe Farm, Lancing

Whitbread Hollow, Eastbourne

Glyndebourne, Lewes

Pett, Hastings

Frequently asked questions