What is cross country?
Cross countries are off-road races that take place in the autumn and 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. 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. Or speak to a coach at the regular training sessions.
When and where do the 2026 -2027 fixtures take place?
North Eastern Harrier League dates for 2026/27 are as follows (the club will enter you for the League, there is no need to enter each race separately)
- Saturday 26 September: Thornley Hall Farm
- Saturday 10 October: Eltringham Farm
- Saturday 24 October: Lambton Estate
- Saturday 28 November: Wrekenton
- Sunday 17 January: Rising Sun Country Park (provisional)
- Saturday 13 February: Temple Park
- Saturday 27 February: Alnwick Castle Pastures
Other cross country opportunities include (the club will enter juniors for each one separately – keep an eye on club communications)
- Northern Cross Country Championships
- North East Cross Country Championships
- The English National Cross Country Championships
- Birtley Relays
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 but can vary. See the Harrier League website and the blog / Facebook (links below) for any changes.
**New Harrier League age groupings for season 2026/27**
• Under 14 boys and girls aged 12 or 13 on the 31st August within the Competition Year* (School Years 7 & 8 )
• Under 16 boys and girls saged 14 or 15 on the 31st August within the Competition Year (School Years 9 & 10)
• Under 18 boys and girls aged 16 or 17 on the 31st August within the Competition Year (School Years 11 & 12)
*The ‘Competition Year’ is from 1st October each year to the following 30th September.
The first fixture on 26th September will be included in the XC season for 2026/27 so the above age groups apply.
Athletes don’t change age groups part way through the season.
For the fun run – Under 12’s must be aged at least 9 on the day and under 12 on 31st August
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 (there can be queues for the loos!).
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 and you can warm up with teammates before the event.
I’ve heard the Harrier League has fast and slow packs?
Junior age groups in the Harrier League (not U11) have fast and slow packs. All new junior runners or runners new to their age group typically start off in the slow pack. 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.
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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