Cross Country season starts 11 October

Here is information about the opening fixture in this season’s Metropolitan League. The programme begins with the young athletes races at 1.15pm.
The women’s 6000m race will start at 1.55pm. The men’s 8000m race will start at 2.30pm.
The course is mainly on grass and with a wooded section. It is undulating. I am advised that some of the paths are rutted, but that improvement work has taken place during 2008. Spikes, studs or other off-road shoes are recommended.
The race headquarters will be at Woodford Green AC’s clubhouse, Ashton Playing Fields, 598 Chigwell Road, Woodford Green, IG8 8AA. Meet here (or at the course) to collect your race number (www.runtrackdir.com/details.asp?track=woodford). I will be in clubhouse until 1.30pm, when I will move to the course.
There are changing facilities, showers and refreshments at the clubhouse. And no doubt will go for a post-race drink.
Please arrive at least 40 minutes before the start of your race. The course is off Roding Lane North – www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=542478&y=191395&z=1&sv=542478,191395&st=4&ar=Y&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf
This is 15 minutes walk from the clubhouse. You do not need to enter in advance. Just come along on the day with your Serpentine club top.
Travel: I strongly advise travelling by public transport. Please allow plenty of time if travelling by car. The roads in this part of East London are very busy and progress is usually slow. There is a car park at Ashton Playing Fields. Please avoid parking in Roding Lane North or other streets close to the course.
By tube, Woodford on the Central Line is 15 minutes walk from Ashton Playing Fields. There is a bus that goes along Snakes Lane East, but it’s usually quicker to walk, and it’s downhill! Bus 275 runs from Walthamstow and Barkingside.
The races are open to all Serpentine members and they will give you a good workout, whatever your standard. We need to field at least 24 men and 12 women – and the more people, the better the team spirit.
If there’s any additional information that you’d like, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Malcolm French
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