Autumn is here...the season of mists, mellow fruitfulness and North Staffs Cross Country League. Road shoes are swapped for spikes and club colours worn with pride at the four fixtures where there will be hard fought battles between runners for team points and places. 

There are four fixtures which are as follows:

Race 1 - Saturday 17 September at Betley Court Farm: hosted by Stone Master Marathoners (Stone MM). 

Race 2 - Saturday 15 October at Stafford Common: hosted by Stafford Harriers.  

Race 3 - Saturday 29 October at Parkhall Country Park: hosted by Trentham RC. 

Race 4 - Saturday 10 December at Keele University: hosted by Silverdale RC. The presentations will take place afterwards. 

These races see runners of all ages, from U11’s to Vets, pushing themselves to their limits over the challenging courses. Strategy plays a part along with good old fashioned grit and determination in the desire to get the job done. 

Whilst these are competitive races, camaraderie abounds as runners encourage each other irrespective of club allegiances: shouting them on whether first or last to the finish. 

Who are favourites for the Junior, Senior and Veteran prizes? City of Stoke AC is up there along with Trentham RC, Newcastle (Staffs) AC, Macclesfield Harriers and Telford AC. Stone MM, Vale Royal AC and Boalloy RC will be in the mix too amongst others. 

All of tthis takes place at well organised and marshalled races with chip timing that was introduced last year. Though who doesn’t have a fondness for the wooden numbered discs handed to each runner as they crossed the line...

Expect water, expect mud and expect lots of cheers. 

Let the racing begin!

Image courtesy of Bryan Dale (Race Photos).