NESS XC Race 4 – Harwich

11 January 2024 - By Jodee Mayer

Harwich Runners are hosting the 4th fixture of the NESS Cross Country League on Sunday 21st January 2024, with the senior race at 10.45am as usual.

Details are below; we have been asked to stress that NO DOGS are allowed on site, and you will be turned away (as last year).

 

Those that attended last year may recall that parking is limited and some of us had to wait for juniors to leave before we could park. Please car share where possible.

Location	Wix Equestrian Centre, Clay Hall/Clacton Rd, Manningtree CO11 2RU.
Special notes	Due to the nature of the venue there are a few important considerations. Please do observe these rules and respect this private facility, thank you. • STRICTLY NO DOGS on any part of the venue. • NO ACCESS before race day. It will not be possible for any pre-race recces. • NO RUBBISH to be discarded. Please take all rubbish home with you. • CAR SHARE. Parking is limited so please car share where possible. • HEAVY, SOFT and WET under foot on arable farmland and long grass. Spikes are suitable.
Parking	Please follow the marshals’ instructions on arrival at the Equestrian Centre. For those wishing to leave directly after Junior race please let parking marshal know at entrance gate. Follow specific directions given.
Toilets and Amenities	Portable toilets will be available in the carpark. There are no changing or shower facilities available. Runners are advised to leave non-essentials in their cars.
The Races	Junior race will start at 10:00 and will be approximately 1 mile in distance. Senior race will start at 10:45 and has come in at a measurement of 4.9 miles. Both races will be entirely on private land. A couple of short stretches in the senior race are however on public rights of way. Please be respectful to anybody on these parts of the course.

Senior Route

The course is a flat one lap route, looping tightly in places to make the most of available space and natural features. Please pay close attention to course markers and marshals for direction.

We are told it is a varied and exciting course including ditches, wooden footbridges and woodland trail. Also you should expect challenging and rugged going around many of the field edges due to the exceptionally wet weather of the last few weeks.

Cake

Harwich will not be able to provide refreshments on the day, so bring your own drinks please! We currently only have 1 baker and could do with 2 or 3 more please, sign up here – https://www.withamrc.org.uk/club-news/let-them-eat-cake/

We look forward to seeing you there – let’s continue our fabulous XC season and give Clive something else to complain at us about with another fabulous turnout!

A and J