5-8 miles of hills, mud and water. The XC races are hugely enjoyable events, but are also a chance for runners to run as part of a team field where time does not count.
The overall league is scored on a positional basis; individual times are also recorded and are used for league category awards and the the Lichfield Running Club’s own trophies.
Events for 2024/25:
03/11/24: Shipley Park, Heanor
01/12/24: Anslow Equestrian Centre, Burton-upon-Trent
19/01/25: Sinai Park, Burton-upon-Trent
02/02/25: Boothorpe (Conkers)
16/02/25: Statfold Barn, near Tamworth
02/03/25: Allestree Park, Derby
Cross Country 2024/25
Report by Owen Davies
There were six Cross Country races in the season scattered across the greater Burton-on-Trent area, from the sun-dappled glades of the National Forest to the murky ponds of Anslow.
Weather conditions were dry (though not underfoot) throughout the season to the disappointment of Cross Country purists.
Lichfield Running Club provided enough people to meet the minimum number of participants needed for men’s and women’s teams and were even able to fulfil the requirement to provide at least one veteran runner to make up the mixed team in each of the six races.
The season got off to a good start; thirty LRC runners, the largest number to compete in an XC race since the pandemic, made the long trip up the A38 to win at the first race at Shipley Park, Heanor.
LRC retained first position throughout the league, winning the next two races and finishing second in the fourth and penultimate races, before confirming victory of the league at the shores of Foremark Reservoir.
Notable individual performances include Lucy Niemz winning at hilly Sinai Park and Matt Orford winning at Foremark Reservoir.
Lichfield men’s team won their competition for the first time ever.
Lichfield women’s team finished a creditable fourth, the highest yet, in a league with more teams competing than either the mixed or men’s leagues.
In the individual categories Andy Evans won the Veteran 45 male category and Matt Allan came second in the Veteran 40 male category.
Both Clare Tanter and Marion Lowther finished third in their categories.
Special mentions go to Ian Buckner, Carina Allan and Clare Tanter who competed in all six races.
Winning the league is the icing on the cake. The season was, as ever, enjoyable. Over forty people ran XC for LRC this season, including around ten people who had not run XC for LRC previously, meaning this was a success for the club. With camaraderie, tea, the occasional sherry, cake and good craic after each race.
Thanks to everyone who helped with admin, brought cake or transported the gazebo.
Here’s to a similarly successful 2025/2026 season.
Club Awards
In addition to the League prizes, the club awards its own trophies; these are based on individual improvement targets, with the best three results to count. An explanation of the handicap system can be found here.
2024/5 results to be announced in due course.
2023/24 results as follows:
1st: John Doyle 294 points
2nd: Esther Hunt 293 points
3rd: Matt Allan 290 points
