English National Cross Country Championships: Information

Saucony English National Cross Country Timetable:

Members travelling to Saturday’s National Cross Country Championships are advised to read the information below. There will probably be a convoy of cars setting from Byker Pool on Saturday morning but keep checking your email and/or the FB page for details.

Parking information regarding the Saucony English National Cross Country Championships at Herrington Park, Sunderland, on Saturday 23rd February.

When the Championships were last held at Herrington Park, Sunderland in 2007 parking for cars, minibuses and coaches was allowed on site. However due to the very wet weather during the Autumn of 2012 that has continued into 2013, a decision has been taken that parking on site could not happen this time as there was a likelihood of lots of vehicles being stuck on the ground and the damage done to the surface would cost a lot to repair. So a free Park and Ride system has been setup with details as follows.

Please note: Only cars /vans with an official permit will be allowed to enter the country park. The park is closed to all other vehicles. The main road (A183, Chester Road) outside the Park is double yellow lined, and will also be coned to prevent parking on the verges. There is no parking near the venue.

A free Park and Ride scheme will operate for all competitor and spectator cars. This is located at Sunderland Enterprise Park. Please allow extra time to use the Park & Ride facility. It is around 3 miles from the course, and the bus transfer time is about 10 mins, but you will need to park your car and locate / walk to the nearest bus stop to board one of the shuttle buses.

Signage will be in place on the A19 to direct cars to the Park & Ride facility

Getting to Sunderland Enterprise Park

From the South

Use the M1 or A1

The M1 merges with the AI just to the south of the A64 Leeds to York road.

Follow the A1 until junction 49 and exit onto the A168 – signed Thirsk & Teeside.

Continue on the A168 which turns into the A19. Follow the A19, crossing the Tees Bridge and continuing north.

Alternatively one can follow the A1 to junction 62 (for Durham / Sunderland) and then turn right onto the A690. Follow the A690 to join the A19 and turn North

From the A19

For Permit holders only exit at the A183 junction, turns left and follow the A183 for approximately 1 mile. Go left at the roundabout, for Herrington Country Park. Please note access will be controlled and only permit holders allowed to enter.

For the Park & Ride location Continue north on the A19 for one further junction and exit at the A1231. Turn right on the A1231 and follow signs for Park & Ride. (Wessington Way)

This should take you along the A1231 until the second roundabout where you will be directed right, into Colimar Avenue. Follow this & car park stewards should guide you to a parking area. and you should be advised where the nearest bus stop is located.

From the North

Follow the A1231, from the Washington junction (just where the A1M starts south of Newcastle) or use the A19 via the Tyne Tunnel, to exit Left at the A1231 junction.

From the North West / West

Use the M6 and A66 to cross the Pennines to Scotch Corner, turning North on the A1M, and exiting at junction 62 as above.

Park & Ride Operation

The park & ride facility is used by Sunderland AFC (they are not at home on the 23rd Feb!), and utilises existing business premises car parks, which are unused on Saturdays.

From Colimar Avenue, Sunderland Enterprise Park stewards will direct vehicles to a vacant parking area, and you should be advised where the nearest bus stop is located.

The whole area is covered by CCTV cameras and is monitored in a central control room. There are many threats out there, so early detection is a matter of safety.

Lock and leave your vehicle, ensuring you have all required clothing and equipment, and make your way to the nearest bus stop. Each bus stop has a reference number which you should remember for your return destination

The buses will travel from West to East picking up along the road before turning left to take passengers, via the A1231 and A19, to the Park drop off point.

To return to the Park & Ride after the event, you should wait for a returning bus at the same drop off point.

Buses will run continuously from 09:00. The last return bus will be 17:45, (the service will continue beyond this if queue backlogs make this necessary)

Public Transport.

Sunderland Enterprise Park can be accessed via Bus service No 26 – Timberreach Road stop, which leaves from Fawcett St, near Sunderland Railway station. More information and times via www.nexus.org.