Our running club pays for our entry into the local Cross Country so it made sense to take part in the whole series. Also I have taken a step back with my assistant coaching of young people. Now I am just focusing on Cross Country and Endurance running with them. Therefore it made sense to go along and support them. With taking part giving me an insight into any challenges they may have.
About The Gloucestershire League Cross Country
So there’s a series of four races in the Gloucestershire League of Cross Country. Of which, two are on a Sunday. However, unfortunately two are on a Saturday which is a bit of a pain with my parkrun longest tourist streak. Plus I don’t want to miss any at this point.
Fixtures
18th October 2026 Woodchester Park, Stroud (Sunday)
31st October 2026 Cirencester Park (Saturday)
13th December 2026 Bath University (including County Champs; Sunday)
27th February 2027 Pittville Park, Cheltenham (Saturday)
The Times
As it happens my races don’t start until 1pm. My husband’s are last. Unfortunately my young athletes are under 12 so they have their races first! Resulting us being there for quite a while.
Note that due to the new age groups I do also have some in the next race. This is under 14s. Even though some are still currently only 11 years old. It is based on the year group that the athlete is in on October 1st.
Distance of the Gloucestershire League Cross Country Races
So the distance we have to run is based on age. But age is based on school year groups too, throughout. That means that I am actually racing older men and 15 year old boys and girls – as well as women.
My races are approximately 6km so not much further than what I am used to at parkrun. However, my husband has to run almost 10km – nearly twice as far as he is used to on a Saturday morning. Not great when coupled in with actually running parkrun beforehand too!
Rules of Gloucestershire League Cross Country
Some there’s some rules of Gloucestershire League Cross Country, probably more than I know. There’s certain numbers of runners you need to make a team. Plus you have to wear club colours. Apparently I took this literally and they do not actually mean the colours of your club. You basically need your club vest with the badge on. This is so that if anyone comes up from behind they know which your club is, and therefore know as to whether they need to overtake you or not.
This is really tricky for me as I overheat easily. Many times did I get pulled up on it and have been told I definitely wont be able to run without at vest at Bath.
During County Champs you also need to wear a letter so people know which county you are in.
This year runners taking part in multiple races need to reuse their number with chip in. With an additional cost if it needs replacing.
Facilities
It appears that all sites are free to park at with the exception of Stroud. This was a flat rate so we paid no extra to be there to support the young athletes. Last year I went on the mini bus to Bath Cross Country and paid a contribution – but pretty sure there was no parking cost anyway.
Some sites have proper toilets as well as portaloos – although I am not entirely sure we were meant to be using those. The one only had 3 and there was quite a queue!
Visit Mum of Three World who has also taken part and has posts on her Cross Country