This is our next important cross country race and in addition to our A team, we also have B, C and Masters teams, so we need plenty of runners of all standards.  All entries taken on the day.  However, if you intend to run, please add you name to the race planner section on the Serpentine website so that have a good idea of how many race numbers will be required. 

Venue: Fairlands Valley, Stevenage, Herts.

Race HQ: Sailing Centre, Fairlands Valley Park, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, Herts, SG2 0BL.

Timetable: U13 boys – 1.15pm.  U13 girls – 1.17pm.  U15 /17 boys – 1.35pm.  U15/17 girls – 1.42pm.

Senior women – 2.00pm – 6km

Senior men – 2.35pm – 8km

Changing facilities and showers at Sailing Centre but only open until 16.30.

Course location: south side of Fairlands Valley Park.  6 minutes walk from Race HQ.

Course description: Start and finish on grass field.  Remainder is undulating parkland and woodland (narrow paths through woods).  Suitable for spikes and studs.

Public transport: Stevenage Station is 1.75 miles from course.  Fast rains from Kings Cross run at 23 and 53 minutes past the hour.  There are numerous slower train services.  Several buses from Stevenage Bus Station to Shephall (Six Hill Way / Shephall Way), including SB1, SB6, 178.

Driving: Leave the A1(M) at junction 7, A602, for Stevenage.  Follow A602, Broadhall Way to second roundabout.  Turn left on to Monkswood Way.  Go to next roundabout and turn right on to Six Hills Way.  Then follow for aprox 1-mile.  Turn left into Park, signposted Sailing Centre,  Fairlands Valley is well signposted (brown signs) throughout Stevenage.  Car park (fairly small) at Sailing Centre.  Also one off Shephall View, a one-way street accessed from Colestrete.  Note: Stevenage Borough FC are playing at home so the car park at the south end of the Park will be very busy.  Seniors are advised to arrive in good time

Other information: The wearing of I Pods, etc., during the races is banned on safety grounds.

Information also on www.metleague.co.uk/index.html

As the host club, Herts Phoenix, is a small club it difficult for them to provide as many marshals as they would like to ensure that the course is fully covered. They would therefore be grateful for any help in this respect from the other participating clubs. They have asked if any non-competing Serpies who will be coming to this fixture would be prepared to assist.

The Race Director, Richard Bloom, should therefore appreciate it if any volunteers would confirm their willingness to help by contacting him beforehand.  He can be contacted by email on rj.bloom@btinternet.com or by telephone on 01707 376938.

Malcolm French – MalcolmFrench@aol.com