Its a shame, but its true, the nights are already drawing in.

The clocks will soon go back and the reality is that Autumn will soon be upon us.

Rejoice then as it will soon be Cross Country season again.

Steel City Striders love competing in both local and national XC events, much like the road race 5 mile series in spring.

But what’s it all about?

Is it like it was at school?  Horrid?

What equipment do you need?

Fear not, your questions will be answered as Jennifer Rich has written this amazing Cross Country Introduction document.

This new guide joins our Track Introduction and Fell Introduction articles which can be found under the “Running Guides” menu on the website.

We also have own our Cross Country calendar on the website and whilst it currently looks a bit sparse with plenty of TBA, it will soon start filling up with XC races for you to enjoy.

Keep your eyes peeled over the coming weeks as the club intend running a Cross Country taster session in the same vein as the Fell and Track ones we have already run this season.

This will hopefully allay any fears you have and get you fully prepared ahead of the upcoming race season.

XC – It’s all muddy good fun!

Richard Sayers enjoying his XC debut