Post updated 23 September 2024.
What is cross country?
Cross countries are off-road races that take place in the winter. The terrain varies from flat to undulating to hilly, and of course is very subjective to weather conditions.
What is the North Eastern Harrier League?
The North Eastern Harrier League (NEHL) cross country series is a great way for your juniors to get race experience and improve their running fitness. All eligible juniors (see details of age groups below) are encouraged to take part. You don’t have to be a certain standard – all abilities are represented.
There are seven fixtures from September – March that take place in a variety of locations across the North East region, including beautiful visitor locations such as Alnwick Castle and the Lambton Estate, Chester le Street.
How can my junior get involved?
Keep an eye on the club communications for the latest information on how to sign up and get involved. There will be a call for names in early September.
When and where do the fixtures take place?
- Saturday 28 September: Thornley Hall Farm
- Sunday 13 October: Druridge Bay
- Sunday 20 October: Lambton Estate
- Saturday 23 November: Eltringham Farm (New venue)
- Sunday 19 January: Wrekenton
- Sunday 2 February: Temple Park (Sherman Cup / Davison Shield)
- Saturday 1 March: Alnwick Castle
Fixtures subject to UKA Licence & Insurance, final approval and local authorities.
What if my junior can’t attend all the races?
Don’t worry! Not many people are able to attend all of them. The club pays the fee per runner so it’s free to enter, we just ask that juniors run at least one race.
What time are the races?
The races are usually a set time – but do pay attention to the Harrier League blog / Facebook (links below) for any changes due to circumstances.
- 12.00 U11 Boys (1.2k – 1.6k)
- 12.10 U11 Girls (1.2k – 1.6k)
- 12.15 U17 Men (4k – 5k)
- 12.20 U17 Women (4k – 5k)
- 12.40 U15 Boys (2.8k – 3.6k)
- 12.45 U15 Girls (2.8k – 3.6k)
- 12.55 U13 Boys (2.8k – 3.6k)
- 13.00 U13 Girls (2.8k – 3.6k)
- 13.20 Senior Women (inc. U20)
- 13.50 Senior Men (inc. U20)
U13 Boys – Aged 11 or 12 on 31 August prior to the season starting
U13 Girls – Aged 11 or 12 on 31 August prior to the season starting
U15 Boys – Aged 13 or 14 on 31 August prior to the season starting
U15 Girls – Aged 13 or 14 on 31 August prior to the season starting.
U17 Men Aged 15 or 16 on 31 August prior to the season starting.
U17 & U20 Women Aged 15 to 19 on 31 August prior to the season starting.
Under 11s (Under 11 on 31 August prior to the season starting and at least 9 years old on the day of competition). These are only intended as a ‘fun’ race, there is no team competition.
What about getting there and parking?
It’s advised you get to the venue at least an hour before the race starts.
This gives you enough time for juniors to find teammates, get warmed up and to take a quick comfort break if needed.
The latest information, including public transport, parking and other arrangements, is published on their Harrier League’s blog site closer to the events, which is also shared to Facebook.
Will other Tyne Bridge Harriers juniors be there?
Yes, they will. Look for the black and white team flag and team tent. You can leave your gear in the tent.
It’s good to find your teammates for support and a warm up together before the event, and to get any last minute tips from more experienced juniors.
I’ve heard there are fast and slow packs – what does that mean?
Junior age groups have fast and slow packs only with a top 20% finisher gaining promotion to the fast pack.
If you are promoted to a higher pack, you stay in the higher pack for the remainder of that season and for the following season. See the rules for the full details – or just ask one of the TBH team on the day.
What do I need to take? Your cross country essentials checklist.
It’s best to be prepared for all weathers (worth checking the forecast beforehand) and to embrace the mud!
1. Your TBH vest to compete in. This is essential kit and you cannot compete without it. You can wear a base layer, such as a t-shirt / long sleeved t-shirt but your vest needs to stay on the top. You can run in shorts or leggings, and running socks are also essential.
2. Trail shoes or running spikes. It’s advised you don’t run in trainers as the course can be slippy.
3. Your race number. Once you are registered, the club will pay for entry and will provide you with a race number the first time you run. Bring this number every time you race. If you forget or lose your number you can get a replacement at the event but it will cost you £5 cash.
4. Safety pins x 4. For pinning your race number to your vest.
5. Warm gear (clothes and footwear) to change out of / into. Spares if the weather looks particularly wet.
6. A waterproof. Best to be prepared!
7. Drink (s) and snacks. Don’t expect to be able to get these at the venue, although some venues do have access to a café or food van. A flask of something hot can be nice if the weather’s cold.
I don’t have the right kit – what should I do?
For details of how to buy club kit, see the website: TBH Running Kit – Tyne Bridge Harriers Juniors
You can buy trail shoes or spikes from any running store, including Start Fitness in Newcastle
The club also has a selection of pre-loved running kit, including spikes in different sizes – keep an eye on club communications for details.
I have another question about my junior taking part, who should I speak to?
You can speak to one of the coaches on Wednesday if you have any other questions.
What’s cross country like?
There are a few race reports on the club website to give you a sense of what happens – a few links here:
NEHL, Wrekenton – 23/09/2023 – Tyne Bridge Harriers Juniors
NEHL XC – Alnwick – 04.03.2023 – Tyne Bridge Harriers Juniors
Thornley Hall Farm NEHL XC 12/02/2023 – Tyne Bridge Harriers Juniors
Useful web links for the Harrier League:
Start Fitness North Eastern Harrier League Facebook (useful for the latest information): Start Fitness North Eastern Harrier League | Facebook
Start Fitness North Eastern Harrier League Blogspot (new posts usually shared to the Facebook and generally carries the latest information on parking etc, which is often a 1-3 days before the event): Start Fitness North Eastern Harrier League
Harrier League website: Start Fitness North East Harrier League
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