ARC Cross Country Teams
Teams from ARC compete in the Birmingham and District Invitation Country League (men) and the Midland Women’s Cross Country league. Have a look at the video of the relays to get a feel of the fun and challenge you might have.
2025-26 Season 2026 was a nail-biting time for our men's team. With the January event cancelled because of snow and ice, our position in Division 2 was not certain until the February event, where we finally finished in 10th place. Congratulations to Liam Harrold, our highest scoring individual competitor, who finished in an overall 14th place, also to Andrew Wood (17th). The end-of-season results are attached to the final event results here. Our women's team finished the season in 10th place out of 27 teams in Division 2, with 7th place out of 25 teams in the Masaters' competition. Special congratulations to Sarah Close, Claire Boyes, Claire Crook and Helen Beecham, who consistently scored well for our team. the end-of-season results can be found here. Interested? Although the 2025-6 season is over, it's not too early to start to think of joining us for the 2026-7 season. There are four league events each season – usually November, December, January and February. Additionally there are usually relays, a 5 (women) and 7 (men) mile race and Midland area championships which we can enter if there is sufficient interest. If the National championships are in our region we also like to enter these. There are also separate Masters events in October - an opportunity for individuals to compete for an England vest (for the British/Irish International in November), and the popular relays, open to all over 35's. Any ARC member is welcome to join in – our teams are mixed from all ages and abilities. Eligibility criteria are:
The courses usually consist of laps of (very) approximately 2 miles long, with women running two and men three laps (official distances are 6k for women and 10k for men, with championships 8k and 12k). Team results are calculated using the first six members’ times (men) or the first four members’ times (women). The women's Masters' team (> 35s) uses the first three members' times whilst the men's Masters' team uses the first four members. Most members meet at the Stick & Wicket and travel together. |
Events 2026-7All League matches:
Women: check each date for start time Men: 2.30pm start British Masters Team Selection Race, incorporating inaugural British Masters Cross Country Championships Saturday 26 September 2026 Betley, nr Crewe Midland Cross-country Relays Saturday 17 October 2026, 2pm Lakeside, Worcester Details TBC but expected to be: Men - 4 x 6k Women - 3 x 6k British Masters Open Relay Championships Saturday 24 October 2026 Horspath Stadium, Oxford Men 35/45/55: 1.45pm. 75 - 3x3k, 65 - 4x3k, 35/45/55 - 5x3k Women and M65/75: 12.00. 35/45/55 - 4x3k, 65 - 3x3k ECCA National Relay Championships Saturday 31 October 2026 Berry Hill Park, Mansfield Women: 3x3k, 1:50pm Men: 4x5k, 2.40pm League (1): 14 November 2026 Men: Burton Dassett Women, Aldridge Airport, 10.00am League (2): 5 December 2026 Men: Plock Court, Gloucester Women: Aldersley Stadium, Wolverhampton, 12.45 League (3): 16 January 2027 Men: Attingham Park, Telford Women: Top Barn, Worcester, 1.30pm Midland Cross-Country Championships Saturday 23 (TBC) January 2027 Possibly Mallory Park League (4): 13 February 2027 Men: Stratford Welcombe Hills, Stratford Women: Coombe Abbey, Coventry, 10.00am National cross country championships Saturday 20 February 2027 Thoresby Park, Notts |
Team captains are Simon Hudson (men) and Anne Kelsall (women). Contact us if you’d like to join in the fun.
As well as the cross-country events we take part in the Midland Road Relays in Sutton Park, where there are 6- (men) and 4- (women) stage relays in the Autumn (all legs 4.3k) and 12- (men) and 6- (women) stage relays in the Spring (mixture of 5 and 8.6k legs). These relays take place locally, in Sutton Park. There is also a Midland Masters Relay (age 35+) competition in May, with 3 mile legs, which takes place in Leicestershire.
As well as the cross-country events we take part in the Midland Road Relays in Sutton Park, where there are 6- (men) and 4- (women) stage relays in the Autumn (all legs 4.3k) and 12- (men) and 6- (women) stage relays in the Spring (mixture of 5 and 8.6k legs). These relays take place locally, in Sutton Park. There is also a Midland Masters Relay (age 35+) competition in May, with 3 mile legs, which takes place in Leicestershire.