Post updated 6 September 2025
What is cross country?
Cross countries are off-road races that take place in the winter.
The terrain varies from flat to undulating to hilly. It is very subjective to weather conditions and often very muddy!
Tyne Bridge Harriers Juniors have the opportunity to compete in the North Eastern Harrier League, as well as the North East, Northern and National cross country championships.
What is the North Eastern Harrier League?
The North Eastern Harrier League (NEHL) cross country series is a great way for your juniors to get race experience and improve their running fitness.
All eligible juniors (see details of age groups below) are encouraged to take part.
You don’t have to be a certain standard – all abilities are represented!
There are eight fixtures from September – March that take place in a variety of locations across the North East region. They include beautiful visitor locations such as Alnwick Castle and the Lambton Estate, Chester le Street. Courses vary according to venue but there are usually a few hills involved!
How can my junior get involved?
Keep an eye on the club communications for the latest information on how to sign up and get involved. There will be a call for names for the Harrier League in September.
When and where do the 2025 -2026 fixtures take place?
North Eastern Harrier League (the club will enter you for the League, there is no need to enter each race)
- Saturday 27 September: Thornley Hall Farm
- Sunday 12 October: Druridge Bay
- Sunday 25 October: Lambton Estate
- Sunday 23 November: Wrekenton
- Saturday 17 or Sunday 18 January: Lemington
- Saturday 31 January: Temple Park
- Saturday 28 February: Alnwick Castle Pastures
- Saturday 21 March: Eltringham Farm
Fixtures subject to UKA Licence & Insurance, final approval and local authorities.
Other cross country opportunities (the club will enter juniors for each one separately)
Dates and venues provided where known
Northern Cross Country Championships (TBC)
North East Cross Country Championships (TBC)
The English National Cross Country Championships (Sedgefield, County Durham, 21 February)
Birtley Relays (Lord Lawson of Beamish Academy, probably March 2026)
What if my junior enters but can’t attend every Harrier League race?
Don’t worry! Not many people are able to attend all of them. The club pays the fee per runner so it’s free to enter, we just ask that juniors run at least one race.
What time are the Harrier League races?
The races are usually a set time. However, do pay attention to the Harrier League blog / Facebook (links below) for any changes due to circumstances.
- 12.00 U11 Boys (1.2k – 1.6k)
- 12.10 U11 Girls (1.2k – 1.6k)
- 12.15 U17 Men (4k – 5k)
- 12.20 U17 Women (4k – 5k)
- 12.40 U15 Boys (2.8k – 3.6k)
- 12.45 U15 Girls (2.8k – 3.6k)
- 12.55 U13 Boys (2.8k – 3.6k)
- 13.00 U13 Girls (2.8k – 3.6k)
- 13.20 Senior Women (inc. U20)
- 13.50 Senior Men (inc. U20)
U13 Boys – Aged 11 or 12 on 31 August prior to the season starting
U13 Girls – Aged 11 or 12 on 31 August prior to the season starting
U15 Boys – Aged 13 or 14 on 31 August prior to the season starting
U15 Girls – Aged 13 or 14 on 31 August prior to the season starting.
U17 Men Aged 15 or 16 on 31 August prior to the season starting.
U17 & U20 Women Aged 15 to 19 on 31 August prior to the season starting.
Under 11s (Under 11 on 31 August prior to the season starting and at least 9 years old on the day of competition). These are only intended as a ‘fun’ race, there is no team competition.
What about getting there and parking?
It’s advised you get to the venue at least an hour before the race starts.
This gives you enough time for juniors to find teammates, get warmed up and to take a quick comfort break if needed.
The latest information, including public transport, parking and other arrangements, is published on their Harrier League’s blog site closer to the events, which is also shared to Facebook.
Will other Tyne Bridge Harriers juniors be there?
Yes, they will. Look for the black and white team flag and team tent. You can leave your gear in the tent.
It’s a very friendly and supportive event to be part of.
It’s good to find your teammates for support and a warm up together before the event. You might seek last minute tips from coaches and more experienced juniors.
I’ve heard the Harrier League has fast and slow packs?
Junior age groups in the Harrier League have fast and slow packs only. A top 20% finisher will gain promotion to the fast pack.
If you are promoted to a higher pack, you stay in the higher pack for the remainder of that season and for the following season. See the rules for the full details – or just ask one of the TBH team on the day.
What should I wear / take? Your essentials check list
It’s best to be prepared for all weathers (worth checking the forecast beforehand) and to embrace the mud!
1. Your TBH vest. This is essential kit and you cannot compete without it. You can wear a base layer, such as a t-shirt / long sleeved t-shirt but your vest needs to stay on the top. You can run in shorts or leggings, and running socks are also essential.
2. Trail shoes or running spikes. It’s advised you don’t run in trainers as the course can be slippy.
3. Your race number. Once you are registered, the club will pay for entry and will provide you with a race number the first time you run. Bring this number every time you race. If you forget or lose your number you can get a replacement at the event but it will cost you £5 cash.
4. Safety pins x 4. For pinning your race number to your vest.
5. Warm gear (clothes and footwear) to change out of / into. Spares if the weather looks particularly wet.
6. A waterproof. Best to be prepared!
7. Drink (s) and snacks. Don’t expect to be able to get these at the venue, although some venues do have access to a café or food van. A flask of something hot can be nice if the weather’s cold.
NB Parents and guardians are advised to wear sturdy shoes (wellies, hike boots etc) and warm, waterproof gear for spectating as it can get pretty chilly and wet!
I don’t have the right kit – what should I do?
For details of how to buy club vest, see the website: TBH Running Kit – Tyne Bridge Harriers Juniors
You can buy trail shoes or spikes from any running store, including Start Fitness in Newcastle
The club also has a selection of pre-loved running kit, including spikes in different sizes to borrow – keep an eye on club communications for details or ask a coach.
I have another question about my junior taking part?
You can speak to one of the coaches if you have any other questions.
What’s cross country really like?
There are a few race reports on the club website to give you a sense of what happens – a few links here:
NEHL, Wrekenton – 23/09/2023 – Tyne Bridge Harriers Juniors
NEHL XC – Alnwick – 04.03.2023 – Tyne Bridge Harriers Juniors
Thornley Hall Farm NEHL XC 12/02/2023 – Tyne Bridge Harriers Juniors
Useful web links for the Harrier League
Start Fitness North Eastern Harrier League Facebook (very useful for the latest information on all fixtures and well worth signing up to): Start Fitness North Eastern Harrier League | Facebook
Start Fitness North Eastern Harrier League Blogspot (new posts are usually shared to the Facebook. They carry the latest, more detailed information on venues, parking etc. This is often a 1-3 days before the event): Start Fitness North Eastern Harrier League
Harrier League website: Start Fitness North East Harrier League
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