Thanks to Colin for being perfectly placed to take these action shots of the water splash not too far from the finish…
The Southern XC League is a friendly and inclusive league aimed at club runners of all levels. Races are typically:
5 to 5.5 miles long
Held from October to March, on Sundays
Run over muddy woodland, open fields, and twisting trails
Mixed, mass start
“Let’s get the Southern League XC season kicked off in style! This is a great location, nice and local, and there’s a proper tea on offer afterwards, with all proceeds supporting Basingstoke club to help replace the assets they lost in the fire recently. It’d be wonderful to have as many of Team HRR there as possible – come and enjoy racing as part of a team on a cracking trail and hanging out with club mates along the way. Car sharing encouraged; please jump on the WhatsApp group to arrange (and feel free to message me if you are not on the group and would like to be). Any questions, please get in touch, and if you plan to come, please reply to the invite – and tag your club mates and get them to come too! Don’t forget you’ll need to wear a club t shirt or vest. Further details in the invitation below. Let’s do this!”
Please use Post Code RG7 2PH to the main car park. Parking will be on the school field after the village pavilion. The entrance is at https://w3w.co/fuse.fled.certainty. Car park entry will be £5 per car, cash or credit card, with all proceeds going entirely to the Silchester Pavilion Fund. Note that all cars must be off the grass field by 1.30pm.
Hosted by Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletic Club (BMHAC), the race takes place in Benyons Inclosure, a privately owned woodland plantation, seven miles north of Basingstoke.
It’s mainly on trails covering a 8.4km circuit of ancient woodland and heath. Spikes are not recommended due to gravel sections. There is a chance of horse riders being present in the woods and any horse riders must be given priority.
