As a club, we take part in the annual winter PECO Cross Country league. (PECO stands for 'Print and Embroidery Company', who are the race sponsors).
The league consists of numerous running clubs from across the region. There are five races a year with the location and routes differing, depending on which club hosts the race. The races are held monthly between November and March and usually take place on a Sunday morning starting at 11am. The team spirit generated is second to none and they are really inclusive with a wide range of ability levels and age groups taking part.
The races are usually 4 to 5 miles in length. They are off-road routes and usually muddy. Points are awarded based on your finishing position (not time) with the first 8 men and 8 ladies places counting towards the overall team score for that race. Even if your finishing position means that your points don’t count towards the overall team score, your efforts will still be rewarded by pushing runners from other clubs further down the pack - meaning they get fewer points.
There are three divisions within the league for both men and women with promotions and demotions occurring at the end of each season. There are also points based individual and age category competitions which can lead to an annual award. More information is available at the PECO website.
To take part, you'll need...
- To be a full paid up member of the club
- To be able to run 5 miles (doesn't have to be quick!)
- Off road shoes - cross country or trail shoes with deep grips (you may run in spikes but it's dependant on the course). If you want to just 'have a go' you could run in road shoes but this is not advisable!
- Club kit to run in - please ask a committee member for advise or to sort out some Team Green colours!.
- A race number - This is also needed for each event, please keep it safe!
