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Cross Country

Cross Country running is something to look forward to in the winter months and a highlight of the year for many runners. Kent AC participants in a number of different leagues and championships throughout the cross-country season both within London and further afield. Unlike most road races, cross country running is limited to running and athletic clubs making many of the races very competitive and building some great team spirit. 

All athletes entered to run in cross-country races must be first claim members of Kent AC and must be registered with England Athletics.  

English Schools

A number of Kent AC junior runners have either won or positioned very highly in the English School races

Surrey Cross Country League(October, Nov, Jan, Feb)

A series of cross country races are held in venues suchas Richmond park, Wimbledon Common, Lloyd Park, Beckenham, Mitcham and into Surrey from October through to February. Both Kent’s men and women’s team compete in Division one in this league. 

Women and Men’s entry for the Surrey league is organised separately through the Kent AC mailing list. Junior entries are organised through the coaches.

Kent County Cross Country Championships (January, Brands Hatch)

The Kent County Cross Country Championship is another historic and popular local cross country race. You can only compete in this race if you live within the Kent County Boundary.

Kent County Vets Cross Country Champs (Dartford, December)

The Kent County Vets Cross Country Champs is the main Vets event for the club held each year in December. Kent AC has positioned well in this race with both Women’s and Men’s teams often coming 1st across the age categories.

Inter Counties Cross Country (March)

A number of Kent AC runners have been selected to run for Kent County in the Inter-County Cross Country Championships which is regarded as the top national XC field in the season. 

South of the Thames

The cross country races organised by the South of the Thames Cross Country Association have been part of the athletics calendar for over 100 years, drawing in clubs ‘based in an area bounded by the River Thames in the north, the south coast, the county of Kent in the east and as far west as a team might be prepared to travel’. There are two races each season where men and women compete together. 

  • 5 miles – November Junior Race
  • 7.5 miles – December Senior Race

South of England Cross-Country Championships (Various locations, end January)

All athletes entered must be first claim members of Kent AC and must be registered with England Athletics.  Please see the SEAA entry guidance for more information.

South of England Cross-Country Masters Champs

Kent AC have had a number of runners compete and position highly in this championship.

National Cross-Country Championships (Various locations, end February)

The English National Cross-Country Championships are a historic event.