Any Yate athletes that would like to take part in cross country over the winter are able to do so with/for our partner club Westbury Harriers. They would be delighted to hear from any interested athletes, especially any U11s from our academy who would like to try cross country for the first time. The first race is on October 12th, so get in touch now (contact details below)! Everyone is welcome!
Westbury Harriers compete in two cross country leagues that may interest Yate athletes.
Gwent League
The ‘Gwent’ Cross-Country League is the mainstay of Westbury Harriers’ cross-country season. There are 5 matches through the winter, including a home fixture in December. It’s a large but friendly league, and there is always a good turn-out from Westbury Harriers in all age groups (ages 9 – 75). Last year, out of the five junior boys age categories, the club had two team wins, a second and fourth.
Athletes race as individuals and as part of their age group team. Points are awarded after every race depending on position and at the end of the season you can see where you come both individually and as a team. To count in the overall League juniors need to compete in 4 of the 5 races (which must include the last meet in Swansea), but you can still take part even if you only want to do one or two races. There is a match fee of £1 to pay on the day. The club has a tent at each meet which is well stocked with snacks and treats for after the race and there is a great team spirit with athletes of all ages up to V65+ taking part. All apart from the final fixture are on a Saturday.
The dates are:
12th Oct – Cardiff
9th Nov – Pembrey
7th Dec – Blaise Castle
8th Feb – Chepstow
1st March – Swansea
Gloucestershire League
The Gloucestershire League is a 4 race series for athletes age 8yrs and over.
This is a great league if you don’t fancy the travel as most races are local. The dates are:
13th Oct – Wotton Under Edge
2nd Nov – Charlton Park
14th Dec – Old Down
16th Feb – Cheltenham
For all the info and if you would like to get involved please contact:
Girls Team Managers Jason Michael or Jayne Pemble: manager.girls@westburyharriers.co.uk
Boys Team Manager Neil Miller: manager.boys@westburyharriers.co.uk
Athletes in the U13 age group and over will also need to get in touch with Ellen, our membership secretary, who will help you register with EA for ‘other discipline’(i.e not track). The team managers at Westbury will also help you with this process.
