Welcome to our Cross Country Channel
The value of cross country running is a means of retaining physical fitness, its sorely under-estimated, this exciting and challenging discipline of sport, seemingly overlooked as some distant relative of the athletics family.
Conditions may turn the faces of some, competitions frequently include cold freezing rain and occasional snow flurry, the lifting and lowering of weighty, mud-enshrouded shoes through the local farmers' specially ploughed fields, and the occasional shoe-cleansing, foot-numbing gallop through a beck.
Athletes relish the cross-country season for its camaraderie, challenge and opportunity to score for the club, huddling around a warm cup of coffee awaiting results. Cross country is the foundation and preparation for track and road, attracting the world's best from 800 metres to the marathon.
Sometimes it seems that cross country is less visible than other sports. Fewer spectators come to see the meets, and fewer cross country stories appear in the sports pages. One reason might be that cross country has to compete with football, and football draws attention. Also cross country meets aren't easy to view from a single vantage point, although the starts and finish normally are at the same location. The running course is spread out over hill and dale, and much of the race takes place out of sight. Spectators who don't do a little cross country scrambling themselves will miss some of the key moments of a distance race, it's a sport that asks more of its spectators than sitting in a stadium.
Notable runners occasionally emerge to bring the sport into the spotlight. That spotlight is well-deserved because cross country is one of the bravest, most underappreciated, and ultimately rewarding of sports. Legendary runners, Coe, Cram and Ovett all regularly raced cross country and left lingering images in the minds of those who've seen them race.
NYSD cross country league races start at approximately 1pm, Fully Paid Up Club Members of all age groups are welcome; Seniors & Under 20's £5 for the season U13s, Ul5s, U17s £4 for the season. These fees will reduce by £1 for anyone starting to run after Christmas i.e. to £4 and £3. There are u11 races which are none scoring but are not at all venues, why not come along and watch this exciting sport or compete, see you there by the big blue and white tent.
2009-2010 Cross Country Fixtures
11th Oct |
NYSD League |
Croft Autodrome u13 boys, u15 boys, u17 boys, senior men, u20, vets vi, v2,v3 u13 girls, u15 girls, senior ladies, u17, u20, vets v1, v2, v3 |
course map |
Results | Photos |
25th Oct |
NYSD League |
McCain Sports Ground, Scarborough includes under 11 race u13 boys, u15 boys, u17 boys, senior men, u20, vets vi, v2,v3 u13 girls, u15 girls, senior ladies, u17, u20, vets v1, v2, v3 |
location |
Results | Photos |
14th Nov |
UK Cross Challenge |
Gateshead |
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15th Nov |
NYSD League |
Flatts Lane Country Park, Eston includes under 11 race u13 boys, u15 boys, u17 boys, senior men, u20, vets vi, v2,v3 u13 girls, u15 girls, senior ladies, u17, u20, vets v1, v2, v3 |
location |
Results |
Photos |
TBC |
UK Cross Challenge |
Liverpool |
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06th Dec |
Summerhill, Hartlepool u13 boys, u15 boys, u17 boys, senior men, u20, vets vi, v2,v3 u13 girls, u15 girls, senior ladies, u17, u20, vets v1, v2, v3 |
location |
Results |
Photos | |
12th Dec |
NE Championships |
Darlington | Male Results |
Photos | |
| 13th Jan | Schools cross country | Stewarts Park | start times course map description |
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17th Jan |
NYSD League |
Caedmon School, Whitby includes under 11 race u13 boys, u15 boys, u17 boys, senior men, u20, vets vi, v2,v3 u13 girls, u15 girls, senior ladies, u17, u20, vets v1, v2, v3 |
Results |
Photos | |
23rd Jan |
Northern Championship |
Witton Park, Blackburn | Results | ||
07th Feb |
NYSD League |
Acklam Grange, Middlesbrough u13 boys, u15 boys, u17 boys, senior men, u20, vets vi, v2,v3 u13 girls, u15 girls, senior ladies, u17, u20, vets v1, v2, v3 |
location |
Results | |
National Championship |
Roundhay Park, Leeds |
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Results | ||
13th Mar |
Inter Counties Cross Country Championships |
Cofton Park, Birmingham |
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14th Mar |
NYSD League |
The Old Racecourse, Richmond Includes under 11 race u13 boys, u15 boys, u17 boys, senior men, u20, vets vi, v2,v3 u13 girls, u15 girls, senior ladies, u17, u20, vets v1, v2, v3 |
location |
Results | |
20th Mar |
English Schools |
TBC | |||
Final NYSD Standings
Well done to all that participated this season, congratulations to Ben Spencer and Emma Wortley for coming first in there age groups and also the members of U15 boys team for winning there group.
Commiserations to the U13 boys and girls teams for just missing out on first spots.
A huge thank you to the coaches for the hard work they have put in and also a big thank you to all the parents and supporters that trudged around the courses and braved the weather, and not forgetting the administrative support staff, see you all next season.
We understand stand that the presentation of trophies and medals will take place at the first NYSD Track and Field meeting to be held at Clairville Stadium on April 25th, during the first NYSD Track and Field meeting the first event will be at 6.15.
Final NYSD Standings
Final North Yorkshire South Durham Cross Country League, Richmond Racecourse 14th March 2010
The final League took place in bright, but windy conditions on this deceptive course.
U-13 boys, 2 runners from the club, Sam Day running a strong race finishing in a close 4th position, supported by Charlie Race in 9th place.
U-13 girls, 7 athletes competing for the club, a great turn out. Emma Wortley showing no ill effects after racing the day before in the inter-counties in Birmingham and just getting the better of Bronwen Owen from Scarborough for 1st place who was also racing in the inter-Counties. Emma was again well supported by her team colleges with Phillipa Stone in 4th, Hannah Marshall in 5th, Alisha Richardson in 7th, Hannah Craig 10th, Courtney Pearson 13th, Rebecca Palmer 15th. Finishing 1st Team well done.
U-15 boys, Liam Watson in 6th position, Mathew Rhodes in 7th and Chris Milbourne in 11th good team effort all Season.
U-15 girls Hannah Mclean in 6th position and Bethany Brown 9th.
U-17/U-20/Sen/Vet Ladies, only 3 runners this time, but all finishing in the top 10 places giving us a 3rd team finish. Stephanie Allison in 4th place, Emma Williams in 8th and Jessica Wilkinson 10th.
U-17 Men, just 1 athlete from the club Marc Walker in 5th place.
Senior Men, Paul Kitson (vet men) 17th place, Paul has supported the Club at Cross Country and Road Races throughout the Winter.
Once again Thanks to Pat, Marino, and Michael for their help during the Season.Dave Wilkinson
Full results. more>>
Club results from Inter-Counties Cross Country Championships Birmingham, Sat 13 March 2010
3 club athletes representing the North East Counties competed in the above Championships.
Ben Spencer U-13 boys finished 6th from a field of 295, rounding off a fine Season.
Emma Wortley U-13 girls finished 19th from a field of 305 also rounding off a Great Season.
Emma Williams U-20`s ladies running in the International Selection race finished strongly in 61st place.English Cross Country championships 27th Febuary
From all at the club congratulations to all who took part in these championships. Amongst the outstanding results from all the athletes, Ben Spencer 8th in Under13 and Emma Wortley 41st in U13 girls. What wonderful prospects for the future.
Well done to Dave Wilkinson as their coach. full results
Well done and congratulations
To Grant Hawkins U20, Ben Spencer U13 and Emma Wortley U13, who have all been asked to represent the North East at inter counties to held in Birmingham on 13.03.10.
NYSD Cross Country League Acklam, The Acorn Center 7th February 2010
The 6th race of the series held on a wet and muddy course at Acklam. Most of the junior races were down on numbers, due to the previous days schools Inter-Counties at Durham. Many thanks to Middlesbrough & Cleveland Harriers for organizing the venue.
REPORT
U-13 Boys saw Sam Day picking up a well deserved 10 points and finishing 2nd behind a guest runner from Gateshead.
U-13 Girls Despite racing the previous day our girls were out in force, Emma Wortley winning a well timed race, followed by Phillipa Stone running a storming race in 3rd place, Hannah Marshall in 6th, Rebecca Palmer 9th, Courtney Pearson 11th ,The team race also went to our girls.
U-15 Boys Mathew Rhodes our only athlete in the race finishing in good 3rd position.
U-15 Girls No club runners
U-17 Men No club runners
U-17/20/Sen/Vet Ladies. It was a pleasant surprise to find we had a ladies team for the first time this year in the league, Kristina Grant having a great run to finish 2nd Overall and first U-20, Stephanie Allison also in her 1st League race returning after injury in 9th place and 2nd u-17, followed by Emma Williams in 10th and Faye Buckton in 11th. The team also won the team event. well done.
Jun/Sen/Vets A great performance from Grant Hawkins winning the u-20`s race and finishing second in the race, our veteran Paul Kitson running well to finish 22nd
Dave Wilkinson
Photos by Graham Palmer many thanks.Full results more>>
The next league meeting will be the final one in the series this year and will be held at Richomnd Old Race course on 11th March.
Regional inter-counties school cross country event were held in Durham on 06.02.10.
Athletes from the club who competed were Charlie Race, Sam Day, Philipa Stone, Hannah Marshall, Rebecca Palmer, Liam Watson. Bradley Wright, Hannah McLean, Patrick O`connor, Emma Wortley, Lauren Cuggy, Alex Grundmann, Catherine Meynall, Ben Spencer, Jessica Wilkinson, Marc Walker, Mathew Rhodes, Emily Fields, Elanor Mullen. Stephanie Allison, won the North Yorkshire Schools Senior Girls Race last week at Skipton, Sam Day finished a very close 2nd in the boys pre-lim race at the same event.
Northern Championship, Witton Park, Blackburn
Ben Spencer executed his race plan to perfection, he tucked in 5m behind the 2 leaders for the first third of the run with others around him. Just after half way going up the longish steep hill he took the lead and pushed them hard dropping a few in the process. Then with 200m to go in the finishing straight he was on the shoulder of the leader and they were both clear of third place. With a 100m to go he accelerated away to win by about 5m. It was a brilliant performance.
The whole of the Middlesbrough Mandale contingent were screaming their heads off in the home straight. What a great finish to the day.
The first girl club runner home in the u 13 Philipa Stone's position was made all the more impressive by the fact that she ran most of the race with one spike on. Someone caught her heel at the start and she had to carry her spike all the way.
U-13 boys Ben Spencer 1st, Charlie Race 146th.
U-13 girls Philipa Stone 43rd, Gemma Clarke 57th, Hannah Marshall 123rd. (total finishers 211)
Full results. more>>
NYSD Cross Country League Whitby 17th January 2010
The weather was kind for the first Cross-Country League Race of the year. The runners were greeted to sunny conditions, but the popular course was suffering from a big snow melt, ensuring athletes got a good taste of muddy conditions.
Report.
U-13 boys
Ben Spencer showing that his North East title and his recent win in the Cleveland Schools Championships were no flash in the pan. After a challenge by Shane Hicks (Loftus & Whitby) in the early part of the race, Ben quickly established a 42 seconds lead to win his 5th consecutive League race of the series. Once again supported by Sam Day in 6th and Charlie Race in 17th position.
U-13 girls
Emma Wortley had to settle for 2nd place to Bronwen Owen from Scarborough in this race, but her time in the Race would have gained her a 4th place in the boys race. Once again great support from her team, Philipa Stone running with confidence in 5th place, Hannah Marshall in 11th Rebecca Palmer in 16th.
U-15 Boys
Bradley Wright running well to finish in 4th place, Liam Watson improving to 6th place with a strong finish, Mathew Rhodes in 9th and Chris Milbourne 11th ensuring the team won the team award.
U-15 girls
Hannah Mclean our only runner finishing strongly in 5th place, Hannah still has another year in this age group.
Inter/Sen/Vet Ladies
Our only athlete Jessica Wilkinson in 19th position running in a very strong field; with young International Kate Avery storming the race to win by nearly 2 minutes. The team race saw Loftus & Whitby just beating Scarborough AC by 1 point, in a exiting team battle.
U-17 Men
Alex Grundmann finishing in a much improved 4th position and supported by Marc Walker in 14th and Nick Wooley in 15th
Sen/vet men
Once again Paul Kitson finishing in 28th our only athlete.
Once again many thanks to Pat, Marino and Michael for their help.
Dave Wilkinson Jan 2010Next meeting 7th February, Acklam
full results, plus photos. more>>
North Eastern Cross Country Championships Darlington12th of December 2009
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The following athletes entered:
Annabel Blott, Rebecca Palmer, Courtney Pearson, Hannah Marshall, Philipa Stone, Emma Wortley, Lauren Cuggy, Bethaney Brown, Emily Fields, Jesica Wilkinson, Faye Buckton, Kristina Grant, Emma Williams.
Sam Day, Charlie Race, Ben Spencer, Chris Milbourne, Liam Watson, Bradley Wright, Marc Walker, Grant Hawkins, Andrew Maguire, Adam Morrell, Adam Mitchell.
further photos. more>>
full results. more>>
press report more>>
NYSD cross-country 4th league race 2009/2010, 6th December, Summerhill, HartlepoolThe Summerhill course is tough normally, but this year the weather of late made it a muddy test of stamina. The weather remained bright until the start of the senior men's race when it started to rain, adding to the challenging conditions.
Report:-
Under 13 Boys
A repeat of the 2 previous races Ben Spencer making it his 4th win of the series with a 50 second margin, followed by Sam Day in 3rd and Charlie Race in 10th. The 3 athletes also won the team race by 1 point from New Marske. Well done boys.
Under 13 girls
5 athletes in this age group from the club, once again Emma Wortley timing her race to perfection winning the sprint finish to finish 1st and once again well supported by Phillipa Stone in 6th, Courtney Pearson 7th , Rebecca Palmer 11th, and Hannah Marshall in 16th.
Under 15 Boys
Bradley Wright in his first cross country race for the club in 6th, Liam Watson 7th Mathew Rhodes in 8th and Chris Milbourne in 11th, once again winning the team event. Well done
Under 15 Girls
Just 2 athletes from the club competing, Hannah Maclean finishing in 4th place after a great run and supported by Beth Brown in 8th position.
Inter/jun/sen/vets ladies
Only 1 athlete Jessica Wilkinson finishing well in 11th position steadily moving up the field in each race.
Under 17 Men
2 athletes Marc Walker in 9th and Nick Woolley in 11th.
No senior Men or Women competing for the team
Hope to see you all in the New Year at Whitby. Good luck to all our athletes competing in the North Eastern Counties Championships at Darlington.D
ave WilkinsonFull results. more>>
Editors note: sorry for the quality of the photos for this meeting, (focusing issue, hey you guys run to fast). more>>
NYSD cross-country 3nd league race 2009/2010, 15th Nov, Upsall Hall (Flatts Lane)
Among the throng of spectators on a glorious days of cross country was Brian Titley, it was great to see him back after his problems at Scarborough. Prior to the start of the first race with club members looking on,
the newly acquired club tent was commissioned by chairman Charles Stuart, pictured with Jill King (membership secretary) and Michael Higgins (land rover man).
In glorious autumn weather the 3rd League race of the season got underway, the course was hilly and in places muddy underfoot; a real test for all the athletes, in essence a real cross country course.
The racing started with the U-11 Race, 51 young aspiring athletes set off at a fast rate of knots. Ryan Nimmo was the first of our youngsters in 4th place followed by Aaron Jeal 6th, Josh Allan 9th Ben Palmer 11th Isaac Sulaman 17th Isabel Day 21st Lucy Simpson 29th Hannah Jeal 41st.
U-13 Boys
Just 2 athletes but both with good results Ben Spencer in 1st and Sam Day once again in 3rd position well done
U-13 Girls
Once again our girls did the team proud with 7 athletes Philipa Stone relishing the conditions and finishing in 5th position supported by Hannah Marshall 8th, Courtney Pearson 15th, Laura simpson 19th, Rachel Harrison 23rd and Rebecca Palmer in 25th.
U-15 BoysJust 2 runners from our team, Liam Watson in 11th and Chris Milbourne in 12th position.
U-15 Girls
Just 1 athlete Lauren Cuggy having her first outing for the club this season in 6th position.
Inter/Jun/Sen/ Vet ladies
The race was dominated at the front by U-17 ladies, Jess Wilkinson 5th under 17 in 14th position, Emma Williams Under 20 Lady running her first race of the cross country season in 10th place.
U-17 Men
4 participants from the club, Nic Wooly in 12th, Marc Walker in 16th Jordan Gill 18th and Tim Tetlow in 19th.
Vet Men
Paul Kitson once again our only stalwart moving up the field to finish a creditable 25th postion.
Next League race 6th December @ Summerhill, Hartlepool Dave Wilkinson
Upsall Hall photos, plus full results. more>>
NYSD cross-country 2nd league race 2009/2010, 25th Oct Scarborough, McCain Sports Ground
A new venue for the League which turned out to be a little more testing than it looked, the athletes had to contend with a strong wind and squally rain throughout the afternoon. The numbers were down from the first league race but spectators witnessed some quality racing, which included an u11 hare race.
U-13 Boys
Ben Spencer took the lead from the start and maintained it to the finish, winning his second League race. He was well supported by Sam Day who ran strongly to finish a well deserved 3rd place and Charlie Race in 7th place.
U-13 Girls
Once again a great turn out with 6 athletes from the club competing. Emma Wortley having to settle for 2nd place after missing training through attending hospital. She was well supported by Hannah Marshall in 6th and Phillipa Stone in 7th sharing the same time. Courtney Pearson in 14th Rebecca Palmer 15th and Laura Simpson 17th U-15 Boys
Mathew Rhodes in 4th place, Liam Watson in 5th place and Chris Millbourne in 8th making up the team which retained the overall lead.
U-15 Girls
Only 1 athlete Hannah McLean who ran well to finish 6th
Under-17
Ladies Only 2 athletes competing, both running well in the adverse conditions Jessica Wilkinson in 15th and Catherine Meynell in 31st
U-17 Men
2 Club athletes competing Marc Walker in 10th, Nick Woolly struggling with a tight chest to gamely finish in 12th place.
Vet Men
Paul Kitson once again our only stalwart finishing in 32 position.
Next League race Flatts Lane. Dave Wilkinson
Photos plus full results and standings. more>>
NYSD cross-country 1st league race 2009/2010, 11th Oct Darlington, Croft Autodrome
On a bright and windy day the first Cross-country League race of the Season got under way at the Croft-Autodrome. The course was well organised and credit must be given to Darlington Harriers for the second year of running in hosting this event. A good turn out from the younger club members but still lacking participants from the Senior club members.
Club Results
U-13 BOYSA confident 25 seconds victory for Ben Spencer over the very short course of just over 2km,well supported by Sam Day in 3rd and Charles Race in 8th. The team finished 2nd just 1 point behind New Marske team.
U-13 GIRLS
A great turn out for the club with 6 finishers. Emma Wortley following her success on the track with a well timed victory over the country, Once again well supported by Hannah Marshall in 7th Phillipa Stone in 9th Courtney Pearson in 13th Rebecca Palmer 16th and Rachel Harrison in 17th. The team finishing 2nd behind a strong Scarborough team.
Under 15 Boys
Just 3 runners from the club, but enough to finish 1st in the team event. Mathew Rhodes running consistently to finish 6th Liam Watson 7th and Chris Milbourne 12th.
Under 15 girls
Just 2 athletes from the club Hannah Mclean running well in 8th position and Bethany Brown in 12th
Inter/sen/vet Ladies
Once again just 2 ladies competing, both u-17 age group and both running the longer distance for the 1st time Jessica Wilkinson finishing well in 16th and Catherine Meynall in 35th.
Under 17 Men
A good field of 20 u-17`s competed the 3 laps course alongside the seniors. Alex Grundmann 9th Nick Wooley 15th and Marc Walker 17th. The u-17 team finishing in 3rd position
Junior/senior/vet men
Only 2 members competing, Grant Hawkins in his first League race for sometime running a strong and sprited race in his first year in the U-20 age group. It looked as if Grant would have his first victory in his new age group, but was just outsprinted By Lewis Rogors of Loftus. Our ever consistent vet Paul Kitson running well to finish 29th.
Please support the next League race at Scarborough and help keep the NYSD thriving. Many thanks to the club officials who came to support the Endurance members of our club, much appreciated.
Dave Wilkinson 12/10/2009
Full results and further photos. more>>
Archive 2008 - 09 l 2007 - 08
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