Cross Country
Cross country events take place over the winter between October and March. Lewes AC belongs to two cross country leagues as well as taking part in various championship events.
East Sussex Sunday Cross Country League
Club Captains
ESSCCL Men’s Club Captain Philip Westbury
ESSCCL Women’s Club Captain Sally Norris
Looking for a bit of adventure this winter? Join our East Sussex Sunday Cross Country League squad and embrace the challenge of running through diverse terrain and unpredictable winter weather—think mud, rain, and even snow! Enjoy the camaraderie of competing alongside your club mates and other teams across Sussex as you conquer challenging, exciting courses.
How many races? The league consists of six cross-country races, held monthly from October to March. Twelve clubs participate in the league, with some joining to make combined teams.
How far will I run? Each race covers approximately 5 miles of varied, scenic terrain.
Team and individual scoring: Composite teams are made of both genders across a range of ages scoring for the team.
What are the courses like? Expect a mix of open Downland and muddy woodland trails—true cross-country running at its best!
What time do the races start? Junior events usually start at 10:00am. Senior events usually start at 10:30am.
The 2024/2025 fixture list is as follows
- Sun 13th October 2024 | Eridge Park (new venue) | Organised by Crowborough Runners
- Sun 24th November 2024 | Snape Wood | Organised by Wadhurst Runners | Cancelled
- Sun 15th December 2024 | New Place Farm | Organised by Uckfield Runners | Run Report
- Sun 12th January 2025 | Blackcap | Organised by Lewes AC | Run report
- Sun 16th February 2025 | Whitbread Hollow | Organised by Run Wednesdays | Run Report
- Sun 16th March 2025 | Pett (or new venue) Organised by Hastings Runners
Alternatively, visit the East Sussex Cross Country League site and our Wiki page for dates and venues of fixtures.
How are prizes awarded? At the end of the season, the ESSCCL awards team and individual prizes in all age groups.
Who should take part? Runners of all abilities and from age 17+ are welcome:
- Beginners: Boost your fitness, improve endurance, and build cardiovascular health. Connect with fellow runners in a fun and supportive environment while learning pacing, terrain navigation, and race strategy.
- Intermediates: Increase stamina, tackle diverse terrains, and push past personal limits. Refine your speed and technique for better race results, and track your progress to reach new milestones.
- Advanced runners: Face challenging competition against seasoned athletes, strengthen your mental and physical resilience, and inspire others while sharpening your competitive edge.
Join us for an exciting, rewarding cross-country season—whatever your ability, you’ll leave every race feeling accomplished and proud! Sign up here
Sussex Cross Country League
Club Captains
- Senior Men’s Captains: Phil Westbury and Toby Meanwell
- Senior Women’s Captains: Sally Norris and Ellen Brookes
SCCL Women’s Team Captain: Sally Norris
The annual Sussex Cross Country League takes place between October and February and offers runners the chance to challenge themselves on various scenic courses across Sussex.
This League’s format differs from the Sunday League in that runners are grouped by age and gender, providing fair competition and a rewarding experience for everyone.
How many races? Four races make up The Sussex Cross Country League. The races take place on Saturdays at different venues across Sussex.
How far will I run? Each race is up to 5 miles in length.
Where can I find a 2024/2025 fixture list?
- Race 1 | Saturday 12th October 2024 | Venue: Goodwood
- Race 2 | Saturday 9th November 2024 | Venue: Glyndebourne, Lewes BN8 5UU
- Race 3 | Saturday 30th November 2024 | Venue: Ardingly Showground | Run report
- Race 4 | Sunday 9th February 2025 | Venue: Stanmer Park, Brighton | Run report
Alternatively visit the Sussex County Athletics web site and our Wiki page for dates and venues of fixtures.
How are prizes awarded? As the season wraps up, Sussex Athletics awards individual medals to the top three teams and the leading three athletes in each category based on their best three-race performances.
Follow this link to sign up here
Cross Country Championships
During the season a number of cross country championships are held. Details as follows
- November 23rd | UK Cross Challenge & European Trials | Sefton Park, Liverpool
- December 7th | South of England Inter-Counties Cross Country
- January 4th | Sussex Cross Country Championships | Junior & Senior | Little Common Bexhill
- January 14th | Sussex Schools Cross Country Championships | Waterhall, Brighton
- January 18th | Sussex Masters Cross Country Championships | Coombe Farm, Lancing
- January 25th | South of England Cross Country Championships | Beckenham Park Place (TBC)
- February 22nd | ECCA National Cross Country Championships | Parliament Hill, London
- March 8th | UKA CAU Cross Country Championships | Venue (tbc)
The results of the earlier championships can be found on the Sussex County website.