Cross Country
Winter Harrier League
A Winter of fun runs across the North East
Ever thought about giving cross country running a try? Here is the opportunity! Cross country is fun, very sociable, cake-obsessed.
Join our well-established teams
Runners of all abilities are welcome at Cross Country and many find this their highlight of the year! Take part for off-road fun between September and March each year.
Ponteland Runners have been participating in the North East Harrier League for years now, with well-established men and women’s teams. Find out how we're doing this season on the Harrier League's up to date Team Standings Results.
Get involved!
There are lots of great reasons to take part; it is a great way to maintain fitness and speed over winter. People often lose motivation in the dark and cold and the races are a great way of making sure that doesn’t happen. What's more, you get to see new places and run on routes you never otherwise would have. Ever been up close to Alnwick Castle, around the beautiful bay of Druridge, or inside the Lambton Estate? Cross country will take you to all of these locations and more.
Races are tough but short! Races are fairly short – 4 miles for women and 6 miles for men. Walking up hills is completely acceptable and you’ll have great support. It is a unique opportunity to meet people from across the North East running community. It’s inclusive, supportive, and a wonderful atmosphere.
Distances
Races are approximately 4 miles for women and approximately 6 miles for men, with an option for 65+ men to take part in the 4 mile race. Junior races are shorter and depend on age – full details are available on the North East Harrier League website.
Do I need to run a certain pace?
Absolutely not! All paces of runner are welcome, we have one of the largest turnouts in the league and field runners of all capabilities and speeds. Everyone has a crucial role to play and there really is something for everyone.
How do I sign up, and what does it cost?
It is free to take part if you are a full member of the club (with EA membership) and have a vest to wear. The club covers entry fees; all we ask is that you turn up to at least one fixture.
If you want to take part (or to find out more), get in touch with our team captains Kelly Hymer and Arran Stephenson by emailing cross.country@pontelandrunners.org.uk.
Race Details
Results, rules, runner info and a whole lot more can also be found on the official Harrier League website.
We do a lot of organising and sharing on Member's Facebook Group, so dont miss the chance to stay up to date.
If you are interested in taking part in the best fun (once the tired legs are forgotten about!) and most sociable running scene around, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Things to remember
Dont forget to pack 4 safety pins along with your Ponteland Runners vest. Ensure you wear suitable running shoes (trail shoes or spikes) and some warm outer clothing – even if it seems mild we are out in a field and our tent is not heated!
Race Timings
Events begin with Junior racing. The under 11 Boys kick things off at 12 noon and other junior categories follow up 12:35. Senior and Veteran Woman race at 12:50, Senior and Veteran Men at 1:50PM.
Race Locations
We've raced everywhere from Alwnick Castle to the Lambton Estate. Please reference the Fixtures pages of the Harrier League website for full details of venues, parking and access.
