TBAC Cross Country

Cross Country (XC) is for everyone no matter what age or ability. Whether you are 10 or 80 years old there is a race for you. TBAC has a long history of competing in local, regional and national events at all the recognised age groups. Its friendly, fun, and often muddy!

Gloucester XC League

At local level TBAC usually targets the Gloucester XC League. This incorporates 4 races held at different venues usually from October to February the following year. The fixtures for last year (2019-20) were held at the following excellent venues:

  • Wooton under Edge
  • Charlton Park
  • Old Down Country Park
  • Cheltenham

Individual rankings for each of the age groups are based on a runner’s 3 best results, and the overall senior team position is determined by the combined positions of 6 men or 3 women finishing at each race. The junior age group positions for boys and girls are also based on 3 finishers.

In this league last year (2019-20) the TBAC senior men finished 2nd overall just pipping the University of Bath but trailing behind a very strong Cheltenham & County Harriers team. The boys U13 team however went one better by winning their age group. The senior ladies team had a disappointing year by their high standards finishing in 14th position. There were many notable individual performances for the Gloucester XC League season with particular congratulations to:

  • Harry Maxwell 1st overall U13 Boys
  • Ellery Cole 1st overall U20 Men
  • Catherine Dale 1st overall LV50
  • Mark Macintosh 1st overall MV55
  • Tom Hutchison 2nd overall MV60

A big thanks also to all who competed for TBAC throughout the season. I hope you enjoyed it!

Unfortunately, this season’s Gloucester XC League fixtures (2020-21) have been postponed due to the current Covid-19 pandemic. It is hoped that a number of races will be able to proceed in the New Year. Up to date information available: https://www.athletics4u.co.uk/cross-country/

There are also a number of County, Regional and National XC events throughout the season where TBAC athletes compete. These being:

  • Tri-Counties (Avon, Somerset, Wiltshire) XC Championships (usually held in December)
  • South West XC Championships (usually held in January)
  • Midland Regional XC Championships (usually held in February)
  • English National XC Championships (usually held in March)
  • English Schools XC Championships (usually held in March)

Additional XC events are available for those who are extra keen eg Gwent XC League, British Masters XC Championship and XC Relays.

There are always plenty of cars going to the events and we aim to coordinate car sharing or lifts for those of you who don’t drive or have a car. On occasions we will also hire club transport particularly for events further afield.

We will notify everyone as soon as we get the ‘green light’ for XC fixtures to recommence in the New Year. We normally appoint a Club XC Captain(s) to co-ordinate the teams. Information is shared via TBAC Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter.

Find out more about the discipline of Cross Country Running and current news: https://www.englandathletics.org