Cross Country

Helen Palmer, Met League PerivaleCross Country racing is the backbone of the winter season. They are always popular: during last season around 200 men and women ran in cross country events for the club. Cross country is good winter training, enhancing strength and endurance and Serpentine has competed in cross country competitions since the club's foundation.

Many of the runners who come along have not run cross country since school - not always a happy memory for everyone. They usually find that it is great fun, and there is something uniquely satisfying about having a hot bath once you have covered yourself in mud in the pouring rain in a cross country run (although it has to be said most Serpies make do with a quick shower and a trip to the pub!)

How do I participate in Cross Country?

Serpentine enters men's and women's teams in two League competitions, the Start Fitness Metropolitan League and the Sunday League.

We also enter teams in a wide range of senior and veterans championship events including the Middlesex County, Southern and National Championships.

If you want to run in any of the Start Fitness Metropolitan and Sunday League fixtures, all you need do is turn up on the day and run. There is no need to enter in advance. Simply come along with your Serpentine vest, meet up with the other Serpies, and enjoy your run. The full list of fixtures is here on the website.

Championship events require advance entry, which is organised by the club. You will need to tell the team manager if you want to enter these events. Entries have to be submitted about 8 weeks before the races. Therefore, early advice is necessary.

If you are thinking that taking part in so many events will cost you a small fortune, don't worry: entrance to all of the listed events is free. The club pays the race entry fees on your behalf as part of your Serpentine membership.

Further information on the cross country programme, including advice on how to get to the race venues, will appear regularly in Serpie News on the website and will be emailed out to subscribers to the Racing email list.

Contact running@serpentine.org.uk for more information.