Calling all cross country runners, and any runners who don’t yet realise the joys of cross country!
If it’s not something you have done before, why not sign up and try it?
Some of the events you can choose from are very local at our own TRAC organised Minnis, or at Deal. But even the ones further afield are a relatively simple journey about an hour away. The start times are mostly at 11am so you can still have a bit of a Sunday morning lie in! The courses are about 8km / 5 miles long. It’s a good idea to lift share if possible, so watch out for spaces in cars on our closed FB group.
There is an amazing sense of team spirit during the Cross Country season, and fantastic support and advice available from your fellow runners, (and we always look forward to the cakes and chats about the shared experiences at the end of the races).
The KFL is a well organised competition with years of experience and a variety of enjoyable courses, some more challenging than others. There are up to 7 races in the season but you are welcome to attend as many as you want to – try 1 race or get the bug and do them all!
For those who enjoy the competitive side, you will need to attend a minimum of 5 of the 7 fixtures to count as a full season in the KFL standings and have a chance to win the TRAC XC cup!
This season there are age graded trophies for both men and women from 35 to whatever age in 5 year divisions. This year there are also trophies for the top 5 men and top 5 women.
The first race is at Swanley on Sunday 8th November. This is a great location in Swanley Park and mainly run on grass – so a great starter course if you are unsure.
In accordance with national rules for inter-club closed competitions ALL runners MUST be members of England Athletics. EA can be joined at any time during the year (easily done via our website). You will also need to wear your TRAC race vest (which can be purchased on the website if you don’t already have one).
In addition, individuals must purchase a reusable number bib for £10, which remains valid for the whole xc season. This is fantastic value for money with a potential cost per race of under £2!
The deadline for clubs to submit team details and purchase bibs is midnight on Thursday 1st October.
Because of numerous last minute entries last season, there is now a £5 fine if a runner misses the 1st October deadline – SO GET THEM IN EARLY.
This season if you forget your bib, you can buy one on the day but it will cost £5 (cash only) and this bib will then need to be worn for the remaining races.
Your captains therefore need to check you are an EA member, check payments and submit the team sheet, so the club has set a deadline of midnight on Monday 28th September for your registration and payment.
This is a fantastic opportunity to compete in a closed competition. You cannot turn up on the day and run. And you can only enter through the club. If you are a member of a club who are not part of the 18 involved in the KFL, you are able to join TRAC as a second claim club and come and join us.
If this is for you, you need to:
1. Ensure you are EA registered. Join via the TRAC website or Membershipsecretary@thanetroadrunnersac.co.uk can help.
2. Pay £10 to the Thanet Roadrunners bank account by 28/09/26 with the reference ‘XC and your surname’. * Thanet Roadrunners Barclays Bank. Sort code & Account details on request, or available on the closed FB group
3. Email the running captains to let them know you’re in for the excitement. And also provide your date of birth and EA number. Runcaptains@thanetroadrunnersac.co.uk
(Top cross-country tip – travel in someone else’s car!!!)
4. Sign up to the closed Facebook group (Thanet Roadrunners – Men’s & Ladies – Club Champs / Cross Country / Relays) to keep up to date with arrangements
Provisional Dates – all 11am unless stated –
Swanley Park – 8th November
Oxleas Wood – 22nd November
Knole Park, Sevenoaks – 29th November (9am)
Minnis Bay – 3rd January
Betteshanger Park, Deal – 10th January
All Hallows, Cliffe, Rochester- 31st January
Mote Park, Maidstone – 14th February (9am)
