All Bexley AC members in U12 category (age 10/11 upwards) are invited to compete at Cross Country (XC). Bexley AC competes in the Kent XC League organised by KCAA. This is a series of (mostly) local matches including two Championships (Kent Champs and Kent Masters).
Cross Country running is great for athletes building up the endurance base for next year, or for half/full marathon runners providing some variation and strengthening to their training. Come and join us, wear your orange vest with pride, and help boost the team competing against others in Kent and South East London!
We also participate in the Southern Championships (SEAA), and National Championships (ECAA) – these are big events which are a lot of fun to be part of. All members of the XC team are welcome to compete in the Championships.
Further info on the organisers, as well as past results, can be found here:
KXCL/KCAA: www.kcaa.org.uk
SEAA: www.seaa.org.uk
ECCA: www.englishcrosscountry.co.uk
FIXTURES 2026-27
2026
KXCL 1 – 10th October – Footscray Meadows. Sidcup.
KXCL 2 – 17th October – Schools at Somerhill, Tonbridge.
KXCL 3 – 14th November – Danson Park, Welling.
KENT VETS – 21st November – Central Park, Dartford.
KXCL 4 5th December – Swanley Park, Swanley.
KXCL 5 12th December – Norman Park, Bromley.
2027
9th January – Jeskyns Country Park (KCAA)
Stay in touch for latest updates
Join our XC “Mudlarks” WhatsApp group to stay in touch and to get latest news from your team managers.
Scan this QR code using your phone camera
…or follow this link on your phone: Bexley AC Mudlarks (XC)
XC Team Managers and Subcommittee
Team Managers: Kevin Winch, Richard Long, Charlie Gurr, Joe O’Hara
FAQ
Do I need to pay to enter?
- Bexley AC will pay for your Kent league race entries. For Championship races we will pay the fees but will ask for a deposit, refundable when you attend.
How old do I need to be?
- 11 upwards for most races. The races are split into age groups: Under 13/15/17/20 then Seniors. There are also Masters/Veterans categories at some events.
How do I sign up?
- Talk to a Team Manager in advance. No entries are permitted on the day. For most races we need at least 10 days’ notice to register you. For the Championships the deadline is usually 2 months in advance, with no late entries allowed.
What are courses like?
- Senior men and women run 8k. Some championships may have longer distances. The younger groups run between 3k and 5k. Each course is very different. Weather conditions play a large part. Most courses are on open grassland. We will give you more details in our updates before each event.
What should I wear?
- You must wear the orange Bexley AC club vest and black shorts/leggings. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and bring appropriate layers for before/after.
Trainers, trail shoes or spikes?
- Venues and the weather can vary. We recommend having at least a pair of trail shoes to start with. This will give much needed extra grip that standard road running trainers cannot provide. Trail shoes can be purchased at a reasonable cost from outlets such as Sports Direct. You may also decide to invest in a pair of running spikes (using 9 or sometimes 12 mm metal spikes) for extra grip, especially if weather has been very unkind to a course and you’re looking for a fast time. Be aware of the forecast and look out for our event updates, but usually either trail shoes or spikes are fine. Ask your team managers and fellow runners for advice.
Do we host an event?
- Yes, we do. We will need help from Club members and friends with marshalling and setting up. The Bexley AC hosted event is in Danson Park in November. You are welcome to race in this event (except senior women who do not take part in this one).
Am I good enough?
- Yes, you are. The way the scoring system works, the bigger the team the better, there is no selection process. We wish as many of the club to enjoy the benefits of Cross Country. It is superb training for the track season as Cross Country provides an excellent springboard for speed training and endurance. It is also a good strengthening discipline for Road Runners and can form an important part of any marathon training.