Cross Country

Wimborne AC has long been committed to the Wessex League cross-country season, and this will continue into the 2009/2010 season. We are also looking forward to our second season in the Hampshire Cross-Country League. The Hampshire League consists of a series of five races and includes some terrific venues. Hampshire League races are for those of 11 years-old upwards, right through to the seniors and veterans. Hampshire League races take place on Saturdays.

All the following dates are provisional.

Hampshire League

Sat   10 October       2009        Farley Mount              Winchester              Click here for report and results
Sat    7  November   2009        Goodwood                 Chichester               Click here for report and results
Sat    5  December  2009         Popham                     Near Winchester     Click here for report and results
Sat   16 January       2010        Prospect Park            Reading                   Cancelled
Sat  13  February     2010        Old Sarum                  Salisbury                  Click here for report and results

The race schedule for the Hampshire League races is given below:

Time            Age Groups            Distance
1200            Girls   U/13                  2.4k
1215            Boys  U/13                  3.0k
1230            Girls  U/15                   3.2k
1250            Boys  U/15                   4.0k
1305            Women  U/17              4.0k
1335            Women   Senior          6.0k     
1410            Men   U/17                   5.6k
1430            Men   Senior              10.0k

Your age category is decided by your age on 31st August, 2009. You must have reached your 11th birthday to compete in the Hampshire League.
 

Wessex League

Sun   1    November   2009         Kings Park                 Bournemouth         Click Here for report and results
Sun   29  November  2009         Old Sarum                  Salisbury                Click Here for report and results
Sun   24  January     2010          TBA                                                              Cancelled
Sun    21  February   2010         Ham Hill                      Nr Yeovil                  Click Here for report and results
Sun   28  March         2010         Avon Heath Country Park  Nr Ringwood             

Wessex League meetings start with the under-11s race at 12.45pm, the final race of the day will be the senior men which usually starts at 2.00pm.
Races distance vary from venue to venue but this table will give some idea of what to expect:

Category                  Approx Distance    Approx Time
Under-11s                 about 1km                  12.45pm
Under-13 girls           about 2km                  1.00pm
Under-13 boys          about 2.5-3.5km         1.05pm *
Under-15 girls           about 2.5-3.5km         1.10pm
Under-15 boys          about 3-4km               1.20pm
Under-17 girls           about 3-4 km              1.25pm
Under-17 boys          about 5-7 km              1.30pm
Senior Ladies           about 5-7 km              1.40pm
Senior Men                6-10 km                      2.00pm
* - from here onwards all timings are approximate

Note: We are often not advised of exact race times until arrival on site – so be there in good time. The only definite timings are for the first two races, others will vary.

Your age category is decided by your age on 31st August, 2009.
 

Other Races

Sat    12   December  2009  Sir John Colfox School, Bridport     Dorset County Champs      Report
Sat    09  January        2010  Bicton                                                 SW Inter-Counties            Cancelled
Sat    30  January        2010   Parliament Hill                                  Southern Champs                Report
Sat    03  February      2010                                                              Schools County Champs
Sat    27  February      2010   Leeds                                                National Champs
Sat    06  March           2010                                                             SW Schools Champs
Sat    13 March            2010   Birmingham                                     Inter-Counties Champs
Sat    20  March           2010   Manchester                                      English Schools Champs

If you would like any further information about the cross-country season contact Ian on 01202-577081 or ian@wimborne10.co.uk

Click Here for WAC Cross-Country Reports for 2008 - 2009

Click Here for WAC Cross-Country Awards for 2009

Click Here for WAC Cross-Country Awards for 2008

When competing in cross-country races it is important to walk the course in advance – give yourself enough time to do this. The races are marshalled but it is important to know where you will be going. It will also allow you to recognize any potential hazards or places where overtaking opportunities may be limited – this information can be used to your advantage during the race.

Walk the course in a pair of old trainers so that the shoes you will be using during the race will be dry and mud free on the start line. Most cross-country races are best run in cross-country studs or spikes (either 9, 12 or 15mm depending on conditions). Note that for cross-country training sessions at QE on Saturdays we ask that you wear multi-terrain or training shoes as there may be sections of hard surface (tarmac/gravel) to be negotiated during the session (see below).

It is always a good idea to take a change of kit, the cross-country races do not always have changing rooms but there are always toilet facilities. It is not much fun going home from a meeting in mud-splattered wet kit.

If you require help with transport to the venue contact Ian Kennedy on ian@Wimborne10.co.uk or 01202-577081.