News

News March 2024

The next race of the Borders XC will be in the Gala Policies next to Galashiels  swimming pool TD1 1DQ. Sunday 10th March 2024. Please do not park at the swimming pool.

Junior race starts 11:15am 2.7k

Senior race 12 Noon. 6.7k

I am delighted to announce that Gala Harriers Sara Green will be assisting with the presentation. I would recommend you Click here to  find out more about Sara’s amazing achievements.

The presentation will be held in the Focus Centre Livingston Place Galashiels TD1 1DQ.

There will be Soup and a roll from 12:15pm with the presentation starting at 1:15pm.

The Focus centre Livingston Place will also be open for access to toilets, (Please leave muddy shoes outside). Do Not use the swimming pool toilets.

Everyone that has completed four rounds will receive a Borders XC coffee mug. Remember the Gala race will count as one of your four. In addition, there will be prizes for each age category winners and team shields for the winning clubs.

Click here forJunior Prize list 2024

Click here for Senior prize list 2024

Click here for Team Shields 2024

News February 2024

Duns Castle

Sunday 18th February 2024.

Junior Race 11:15am

Senior Race 12 noon

The next race in the Borders XC series will be the Chirnside Round which will be held around grounds of Duns Castle Estate. We are grateful to the Hay family for allowing us permission to use their grounds. This will be the same route as the past couple of years.
 
Parking
There is ample parking in and around Duns. No vehicles should be driven up towards the castle.

There is parking available at Duns Primary School and Duns Rugby club (postcode TD11 3QQ

https://what3words.com/vitals.sourcing.hobble.

There is further parking along Newtown Street where you can access the route from Castle Street. Please head to the start along the track (to the left of the school as you look at the map). The lodge gates to the east of the school will be locked and you will not get access to the route. There will be Marshall’s to help direct you. Please allow at least 10 minutes to walk up to the start/finish.

If parking at the Duns Primary school, please walk back onto the main road turn right then take the first right and follow the path up to the start.

Courses
The course is NOT suitable for spikes. There are some hard gravel trails and tarmac on the course. A lighter trail shoe would be perfectly suited rather than an out and out fell shoe. The Junior Course is approx. 2.3 miles taking in forest tracks grass, short road and water crossing. The Senior Course is 4.6 miles which is two loops of the junior route so double the fun. Both courses start and finish at the same location. All competitors should cross access road responsibly.
 
Toilets
The nearest public toilets are at just off the Market Square in Duns.

The next race of the Borders XC will be at Denholm on:

Sunday 4th February 2024.

Junior Race 11:15am

Senior Race 12 noon

Teviotdale Harriers is looking forward to welcoming you to our cross-country course at Denholm. The route for adults is a 2-lap course up and around Denholm Hill, and the course for juniors is a single lap of the course.

The course is the same as last year, but in reverse, so it is a steeper uphill start, but a gentler descent at the finish.

There is a section along the Border Abbeys Way which is stony and therefore the course is not suitable for spikes.

Parking is by kind permission of the feuars and is on Denholm Green, so long as the ground conditions are firm. Please always follow the advice of the parking marshals. In the unlikely event of parking not being available on Denholm Green please park responsibly within the village, not blocking any driveways or access. There will be some parking spaces available near the village hall which is at the road entrance to Denholm Primary School and some parking within the primary school. We are using Denholm Village Hall for changing facilities if needed and for toilets. Please remove muddy footwear before entering the village hall and do not in any circumstances wash muddy shoes within the village hall. The public toilets in Denholm Dene are closed. 

 Please allow at least 15 minutes from arrival to getting to the start line which is up the Loaning in Denholm and is marked as the Border Abbeys Way. The route to the start will be marked from Denholm Green at the corner of the green near the café and the butcher’s shop.

 In the event of severe weather, the route may be amended.

We are hugely grateful to the landowners for allowing us to stage this event. As some of the route is on farmland with livestock, please do not exercise dogs on the route.

 News January 2024

Information Dunbar 21st January 2024.

Venue

Now in its 3rd year at this venue. The venue is none other than Torness Power station just

east of Dunbar – at the eastern edge of East Lothian. Did you know, it is capable of supply

electricity to over 2.5 million homes in Scotland! The racecourse takes in Thortonloch and

Skateraw coastal areas. The nearest post code is EH421QS. It is easy to find, directly off the

A1(S) from Dunbar – follow EDF Energy signs. Some GPS units will take you to Thortonloch

Caravan Park which is the turn off south of the Torness access road – do not take this one.

Nb: The A1 can be a busy road – please take extra care when accessing and leaving site at

end of the race.

Parking

All parking is at the venue. Follow the main access road into site, turning right at the mini

roundabout following road down towards the sea front. Please follow signs. Parking will be

in the large tarmac carpark to the right and the gravel overflow car park down by the

seawall.

Courses

The courses are NOT suitable for spikes. There are some hard gravel trails and tarmac on the

course. A lighter trail shoe would be perfectly suited rather than an out and out fell shoe.

The trails dry out very quickly on this part of the coast.

The Junior Course is approx. 2.2 miles taking in tarmac, soft sand, gravel and grassy trails.

The Senior Course is 5.2 miles taking in tarmac, gravel, rocky sections, sand and grassy trails.

Toilets

There will be portaloo toilets available at the overflow gravel carpark down near the

start/finish area.

January 2024.

Important Update: Change in Venue for Final Presentation Round.

As we gear up for the upcoming round at Dunbar on Sunday, January 21, 2024, I wanted to share an important update with everyone. After careful consideration and planning, we've encountered a challenge in securing a suitable venue for the final presentation round at Denholm. To ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants, we've made the decision to switch venues. The Gala leg will now be on the 10^th March 2024 with the presentation in the Focus Centre Livingston Place Galashiels. The Denholm leg will now be on 4^th February., see revised dates below.

Revised dates:

Sunday 21^st January 2024 Dunbar

Sunday, 4th February 2024 – Denholm Hill (Round 6)

Sunday, 18th February 2024 – Duns (Round 7)

Sunday, 10th March 2024 – Gala Policies up past the swimming pool (Round 8, Presentation, and Catering: Focus Centre Livingston Place Galashiels)

I appreciate your understanding in this matter. The new arrangement allows us to host the final presentation round at a more accommodating venue, ensuring that everyone can fully enjoy the event. Please let fellow runner know about the venue switch.

Regards,

Gerry Moss

Chair, Borders XC

Borders XC series Paxton House, Paxton, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1SZ

Sunday 7th January 2024

Junior race 11:15am. Senior race 12 noon.

Once again, we look forward to welcoming everyone to Paxton House for the NRC round of the Border XC series, as ever thanks must go to the Home-Robertson family and their staff for generously allowing us access to the grounds and surrounding farm/woodlands. 

We are also grateful to the staff at the tearoom for opening up from 10.00am especially for the event, serving teas, coffee, soup, rolls etc. please show them your support.

At the moment it looks unlikely that we will be able to use the grass area beside the house for parking, should this still be the case on the day we will revert to parking on the drive & roadsides, please car share where possible, arrive early and park where instructed, above all please avoid parking on the mown verges near the farm & entrance to Paxton House.

Both Senior & Junior routes will consist of the usual mixture of parkland, fields, stream crossing(s) depending on the weather, woodland/riverside paths. 

At the moment there is lots of mud!

Seniors please pay particular attention to the Junior race as their course will be your first lap before heading off on your second loop! 

In order that we continue to be made welcome at Paxton House......PLEASE park where directed, when warming up stick to the marked route on the farm/woodland and try to avoid using the toilets whilst wearing muddy footwear.

Please note that under no circumstance will washing shoes in the toilets be tolerated!!!

We hope you enjoy your day and the glaur!

NRC 

News December 2023

Sunday 3rd December 2023 Spittal

Junior race start 11:15am

Senior race start 12:00 noon.

We at Tweed Striders look forward to welcoming you to our leg of the Borders XC at Spittal. In order to ensure the event goes as smoothly as possible for all (runners, spectators, volunteers, local residents), we would ask you to take some time to read these brief notes.

Important note to Parents and Coaches of Junior Athletes running in the Tweed Striders XC on Sunday

As a club affiliated to England Athletics, Tweed Striders is required to adhere to race distance guidance as determined by EA.  Recently updated guidance meant we have had to reduce the length of the junior race to 2,000m (from our previous 3,315m).  This means the course will no longer extend the full length of the beach.  Instead, the junior course will start at the usual place on the beach, go outwards for 1,000m, round a clearly indicated turning point, then back 1,000m to the finish.  I will give a race briefing to explain, we will have fully briefed marshals in place to ensure junior athletes stay on track but it would also be really helpful if parents and coaches could forewarn their child or children / their athletes of this change, so they do not expect to run right to the end as usual! 

Thank you for your co-operation.  Caroline McDermott (Head Coach and Race Organiser)

Car parking:

There is very limited parking at Spittal Point but ample parking in the car park on the left hand-side of Sandstell Road which is a very short distance from Spittal Point - it would be greatly appreciated if, where possible, parking at Spittal Point was left free for local residents and series organisers. There is also on-street parking in Spittal but, if parking on-street, please ensure you do not block driveways etc.

The junior race will start at 11.15 am and senior race at 12 noon. There will be a warning whistle 5 minutes before the start of each race and the athlete briefing for both will be on the beach at the start line just below the chimney. However, in the event of “the unexpected “, Tweed Striders reserve the right to amend race start times (and courses) as necessary. 

All going well, refreshments (tea, coffee, bacon / egg rolls) will be available to purchase from the Forte Bros’ catering van which will be sited at Spittal Point. There are public toilets further along the Prom, behind the arcade just after the Bowling Club. There are also public toilets in Berwick town centre (Eastern Lane and Woolmarket).

Course information:

Junior Race: the race will start as usual on Spittal Beach just below the chimney; the course then goes 1000m along the beach, round a turning point, then 1000m back to the finish below the chimney. This shortened course reflects updated guidance from England Athletics regarding maximum race distances specifically when under 11s are involved.

Senior Race: http://gb.mapometer.com/running/route_4434454.html

Finally, Tweed Striders have recently received the following instruction from England Athletics, and we would respectfully request that you take a minute to read:

“The following statement has been agreed with UKAD (UK Anti-Doping) to ensure all entrants to an event are both aware of their responsibilities and acknowledge awareness of the UKA anti-doping rules as a condition of entering a licensed governing body event. The request is that you add this statement to all your entry forms and online entry systems. This is to ensure that competitors sign up to fair competition. The statement is below:

‘An entrant shall be deemed to have made him/herself/their self, familiar with, and agreed to be bound by the UKA Anti-Doping Rules and to submit to the authority of UK Anti-Doping in the application and enforcement of the Anti-Doping Rules. 

The UKA Anti-Doping Rules apply to entrants participating in the sport of Athletics, for 12 months from 11 December 2022 whether or not the licence holder is a citizen of, or resident in, the UK.’”

Enjoy your run! And why not stay a while longer and visit the Berwick Christmas Market?

News November 2023

Borders XC Peebles

Sunday 26th November 2023

Junior route 2.2k Senior route 6.5k

The Junior race starts 11:15 am.

Senior race at 12 Noon.

Starting in Hay Lodge Park Peebles. (For direction purposes only the nearest post code is Kingsland Primary School EH45 8NN. The school is not part of the event).

Shoe Share Malawi

There will be an opportunity to donate your good quality used trainers at Peebles. 

We expect the public toilets in the park to be open, but alternatives are in Kingsmeadow's Rd Car Park, and the Eastgate Car Park, which are also alternative parking locations, only a 10 min walk/jog to Hay Lodge Park. Please Park considerately. (Parking at Hay Lodge is limited to about 50 cars.)

Peebles High Street will experience a temporary closure starting from 12:00 PM. There will be diversion in place. This should only affect runners on departure.

Please maintain respect other users of the park and trails and move away from the finish line as briskly as you can once your timing chip has been scanned. Enjoy your race!

News October 2023

Important Announcement:

Lauder Junior and Senior course changes.

Due to recent flood damage to infrastructure  and ongoing maintenance Lauder Limpers  have made significant changes to their cross country course.  See new junior and senior course maps.

Lauder Junior route 5th Nov 2023.

Lauder Senior route 5th Nov 2023

Charity Shoe share initiative:

We are looking for good quality used running shoes to send to sports teams in Malawi. There will be an opportunity to donate your old used trainers at each race in the series.

• SIZES 4 – 12, MEN’S AND WOMEN’S
• ROAD, TRACK OR TRAIL
• DECENT QUALITY (NO HOLES OR WORN SOLES)
• CLEAN(ISH) & DRY
• SHOES TIED TOGETHER IF POSSIBLE

Thank you for your support.

Borders XC 2023/24 Registration now closed. The Borders XC event has once again shown its immense popularity. We extend our best wishes for success to all the participating runners.

Revised venues  2023/24

Sunday, 5th  November 2023 - Lauder

Sunday, 26th November 2023 - Peebles

Sunday, 3rd December 2023 - Spittal

Sunday, 7th January 2024 - Paxton House

Sunday, 21st January 2024 - Dunbar

Sunday, 4th February 2024 - Now Denholm

Sunday 18th February 2024 - Duns

Sunday 10th March 10, 2024- Now Gala (Presentation Focus Centre Livingston Place Galashiels)

Entry will open @ 7:00am

Wednesday 4th October 2023.

After thorough evaluation, the entry fees for the Borders XC series have been raised. In order to offset this price increase, senior runners who are affiliated with their governing body will qualify for a discount.

Senior Cost: £40 for the series.

Seniors will receive a £16 discount for membership of Scottish athletics or English Athletics, this equates to an entry cost of £24. (Please activate your discount by adding a valid membership number to entry form). 

See Scottish athletics web page for membership benefits:

Membership - Scottish Athletics

Junior cost:  £16 for the series. 

The cost of the series remains good value for now and the future. 

Chip / Bib timing:

In response to the ever-increasing pre-race administration the Velcro wristband will no longer be used. 

The Borders Cross Country Committee has now introduced a new streamlined and more efficient system. Instead of the Velcro wristband, an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip will now be affixed to the back of your bib number. This chip will be swiftly scanned at the end of the finish funnel, accurately recording your position and seamlessly synchronizing it with your time as you crossed the line. 

Race Pack

The Race number and race series briefing will be posted to you in time for the first race at Lauder. Please keep it safe. The new bib number chip is unique to each runner and is designed to be used for all eight races.

Contact details:

It is important that you ensure your contact details held by entry central are up to date as this information will be used to post your race pack.

September 2023

Entry for the the 2023/24 Season will be opening soon. Please see the dates for this seasons winter XC.

Sunday, 5th  November 2023 - Lauder

Sunday, 26th November 2023 - Peebles

Sunday, 3rd December 2023 - Spittal

Sunday, 7th January 2024 - Paxton House

Sunday, 21st January 2024 - Dunbar

Sunday, 4th February 2024 - Gala

Sunday 18th February 2024 - Duns

Sunday 10th March 10, 2024 - Denholm (Presentation round;, venue TBC).

February News

Borders XC series Hawick 

Sunday 19th February 2023

This is a new venue Loaning Denholm

HAWICK TD9 8NN

Junior race 11:15am Senior race 12 noon

Teviotdale Harriers are looking forward to welcoming you to our new venue and new course.

The start is approximately a 10-minute walk / 0.6 km from the Village Green. The course for adults consists of 2 laps around Denholm Hill, while the course for juniors is a single lap of the course.

On the first lap of the adult course, do not descend the hillside on leaving the woodland but skirt along the fields adjacent to the felled woodland strip, as marked on the course map below. In the event of severe weather, the route may be amended.

We are hugely grateful to the landowners to stage this event. As some of the route is on farmland with livestock, please do not exercise dogs on the route. Please follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code at all times.

February News

Chirnside Chasers

Sunday 12th February 2023
Duns Castle
Duns
Junior Race 11:15am
Senior race 12 noon
 
The Chirnside Round  will be held at Duns Castle. This was a new course and venue in 2022 and we will return in 2023. The route takes in the wonderful grounds of Duns Castle Estate. We are delighted and grateful to the Hay family for allowing us permission to use their grounds.
 
Parking
There is ample parking in and around Duns. No vehicles should be driven up towards the castle. There is parking available at Duns Primary School and Duns Rugby club (postcode TD11 3QQ - W3W//vitals.sourcing.hobble). There is further parking along Newtown Street where you can access the route from Castle Street. If parking at the PS school, please walk back onto the main road turn right then take the first right and follow the footpath up to the start.

 Courses
The courses are NOT suitable for spikes. There are some hard gravel trails and tarmac on the course. A lighter trail shoe would be perfectly suited rather than an out and out fell shoe. The Junior Course is approx. 2.3 miles taking in forest tracks grass, short tarmac section and a water crossing. The Senior Course is 4.6 miles which is two loops of the junior route so double the fun. Both courses start and finish at the same location. All competitors should cross access road responsibly.
 
Toilets
The nearest public toilets are  just off the Market Square in Duns.

News February 2023

Provisional results

The results for the Gala Leg of the borders xc are now available as a PDF but will be added to webscore later.

Click here for Gala senior results

Click here for Gala Junior results

Please note any club updates and changes may not be shown here but will show with webscorer update.

News January 2023

Gala Harriers would like to welcome you to the Borders XC 2022/23 Sunday 29th January 2023. The junior route will be as last year and is now one large loop see marshal point letters on route map ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO. Senior route as previous years no change.

The start is in the Gala Policies next to Galashiels Swimming Pool Livingston Place Galashiels TD1 1DQ. The Focus centre Livingston Place will be open for access to toilets only (Please leave muddy shoes outside). Do Not use the swimming pool toilets.

Junior Race starts 11:15am 2.7k

Senior Race starts 12:00 noon 6.70k

Parking

Please park responsibly there is suitable parking within the town which is a short walk up to the start area. Please do not park at the swimming pool as local swimmers require this space.

Catering

Brew 52 coffee van will be on site.

Wrist band

Please remember to  to wear your wrist band and bib number. Good Luck

News January 2023

Borders XC Paxton House returns in 2023

Borders XC series Paxton House, Paxton, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1SZ

Sunday 8th January 2023

Junior race 11:15am. Senior race 12 noon.

Once again, we look forward to welcoming everyone to Paxton House for the NRC round of the Border XC series. Thanks must go to the Home-Robertson family for generously continuing to allow us access to the surrounding farm/woodlands. As ever we are grateful to the staff in the tearoom for letting us use it for registration, the tearoom will be open from 10am serving teas, coffee, soup, rolls etc. please show them your support.

At the moment it looks as if we will be able to use the grass area beside the house for parking but in the event of poor weather we will revert to parking on the drive & roadsides, please park where instructed and allow enough time for a 10 min walk/jog. Car share where possible and above all please avoid parking on the mown verges near the farm & entrance to Paxton House.

Both Senior & Junior routes will consist of the usual mixture of parkland, fields, stream crossing(s) depending on the weather, woodland/riverside paths. At the moment it looks as if there will be more stoor than glaur (never seen it so dry!)

Seniors please pay particular attention to the Junior race as their course will be your first lap before heading off on your second loop!

Maps will be displayed in the Courtyard on the day.

In order that we continue to be made welcome at Paxton House......PLEASE park where directed, when warming up stick to the marked route on the farm/woodland and try to avoid using the toilets whilst wearing muddy footwear.

Please note that under no circumstance will washing shoes in the toilets be tolerated!!!

News December 2022

Borders XC Spittal

Sunday 11th December 2022 Junior race Start 11:15am Senior race 12 noon.

Important note to Parents and Coaches of Junior Athletes running in the Tweed Striders XC on Sunday

As a club affiliated to England Athletics, Tweed Striders is required to adhere to race distance guidance as determined by EA.  Recently updated guidance meant we have had to reduce the length of the junior race to 2,000m (from our previous 3,315m).  This means the course will no longer extend the full length of the beach.  Instead, the junior course will start at the usual place on the beach, go outwards for 1,000m, round a clearly indicated turning point, then back 1,000m to the finish.  I will give a race briefing to explain, we will have fully briefed marshals in place to ensure junior athletes stay on track, but it would also be really helpful if parents and coaches could forewarn their child or children / their athletes of this change, so they do not expect to run right to the end as usual! 

Thank you for your co-operation.  Caroline McDermott (Head Coach and Race Organiser)

News November 2022

The next race will be Dunbar on the 27th of November 2022.

2022 sees the return to Torness Power station just east of Dunbar – at the eastern edge of East Lothian. Did you know, it is capable of supply electricity to over 2.5 million homes in Scotland! The racecourse takes in Thortonloch and Skateraw coastal areas. The post code is EH42 1QS.

It is easy to find, directly off the A1(S) from Dunbar. Nb: The A1 can be a busy road – please take extra care when accessing and leaving site at end of the race. (2)

Senior Course:

The Senior Course is 4 miles taking in tarmac, gravel, rocky sections, sand and grassy trails. For this edition, runners will tackle the long beach section first to avoid any queueing at the 1st kissing gate on the course.

Junior Course:

Junior Course is approx. 2.2 miles taking in tarmac, soft sand, gravel and grassy trails.

The courses are NOT suitable for spikes. There are some hard gravel trails and tarmac on the course. A lighter trail shoe would be perfectly suited rather than an out and out fell shoe. The trails dry out very quickly on this part of the coast. The

Parking:

All parking is at the venue. Follow the main access road into site, turning right at the mini roundabout following road down towards the sea front. Please follow signs. Preferred parking will be in the large gravel overflow car park down by the seawall although parking is available in the parking area on the right-hand side when driving down towards seawall.

Toilets:

There will be portaloos available at the race start/finish area. There are also public toilets just 1.5 miles south of Torness on the A1 accessible via car only. (5) Other facilities

Refreshments:

Brew 52 coffee van near the start area.

Lauder 2022

Preparations are well underway for the race at Lauder on the 6th of November 2022. Junior Race Starts 11:15am Senior race starts 12 noon. Race packs now posted out and should have been received by Tuesday 1st November 2022. Please remember to wear your wrist band and matching number ready to race.  See Lauder tab for more information on parking etc. Good Luck.

News October 2022

Entry for the 2022/23 Borders XC is now closed. Race packs will be posted out soon.

News October 2022

Borders XC 2022/23 Now open. Please note entry will close on the 15th of October 2022. This will allow the organisers sufficient time to post out your race pack.

News September 2022

Confirmation of dates 22/23 Series

06/11/22 Borders XC Lauder
27/11/22 Borders XC Dunbar
11/12/2022 Borders XC Spittal Beach
08/01/23 Borders XC Paxton House 4
29/01/23 Borders XC Galashiels
12/02/2022 Borders XC Duns Caste
19/02/2022 Borders XC Hawick venue TBC
05/03/2023 Borders XC Peebles

Entry for the Borders Cross country series will be going live soon. Please note the wrist band timing chip from last year is fixed to an individual runner and can be used again for this season, it's now time to search in the back of the drawer and dig it out, it will save you £5.  Don't worry if you are new to the series or lost the wrist band you will be able to purchase one as part of your online entry.

Wrist bands from last year are not transferable and do not guarantee entry for this year.

News March 2022

Gala Harriers would like to welcome you to the last round of the Borders XC 2021/22 Sunday 6th March 2022. The junior route will be slightly different from previous years and is now one large loop. Senior route as previous years.

The start is in the Gala Policies  next to Galashiels Swimming Pool  Livingston Place Galashiels TD1 1DQ.  The Focus centre Livingston Place will be open for access to toilets only (Please leave muddy shoes outside). In keeping with covid19 guidelines it was agreed there would be no presentation after the final race. Medals can be collected by runners after the race in the Gazebo next to the start area, its three to qualify. If you wish to collect medals on behalf of someone who can’t make it that should be ok. There is also a box of lost property ready for collection.

Junior Race starts 11:00am 2.7k

Senior Race starts 12:00 noon 6.70k

Parking

There will be a limited number of parking spaces at Galashiels Academy, you can also park within the town and walk up to the start area. Please do not park at the swimming pool as local swimmers require this space.

Wrist band

The wrist band is unique to each runner and is designed to be used year after year. Please keep it safe, you can use it next year. Unfortunately, it’s not a guaranteed entry. Next year’s online entry form  will ask if you still have your wrist band if you say yes, it will save you £5. You will then be allocated a new bib number and wrist band sticker, what could possibly go wrong.

Pop Up Shop

Loomi Life pop up shop  will be at Sundays race https://loomilife.com/

February News

After a long discussion with the organising clubs,  taking into consideration the current standings and an attempt to avoid  the possibility of several draws the majority decision was made to keep it at the best of four races to count for all categories. This will include the last round at Gala. Qualification for the memento would remain at 3 to count. 
 
As part of the COVID 19 precautions there will be no presentation at the last round with results being published on the web page. Category prizes will be posted out to all winners. 1^st £20 2^nd £15 3^rd £10. I would ask if clubs could return all team shields at the next race.
 
 

Chirnside Chasers

Sunday 20th February 2022
Duns Castle
Duns
Junior Race 11:00am
Senior race 12 noon
(This will be a new route and a new location)
 
The next race in the borders XC series will be the Chirnside Round which will be held at Duns Castle. This is a new course and venue for 2022 taking in the wonderful grounds of Duns Castle Estate. We are delighted and grateful to the Hay family for allowing us permission to use their grounds. Sadly, like other events in Berwickshire since Storm Arwen the original route planned has been altered due to fallen trees however, we have found a route that we hope you will enjoy.
 
Parking
There is ample parking in and around Duns. No vehicles should be driven up towards the castle. There is parking available at Duns Primary School and Duns Rugby club (postcode TD11 3QQ - W3W//vitals.sourcing.hobble) . There is further parking along Newtown Street where you can access the route from Castle Street.
 
  Courses
The courses are NOT suitable for spikes. There are some hard gravel trails and tarmac on the course. A lighter trail shoe would be perfectly suited rather than an out and out fell shoe. The Junior Course is approx. 2.3 miles taking in forest tracks grass, short tarmac section and a water crossing. The Senior Course is 4.6 miles which is two loops of the junior route so double the fun. Both courses start and finish at the same location. All competitors should cross access road responsibly.
 
  Toilets
The nearest public toilets are just off the Market Square in Duns.
 
COVID 19 guidelines
1. Follow current local covid 19 guidelines at each race
2. Sanitise hands on arrival
3. Social distance wherever possible
4. Respect others
5. if you or anyone in your household are showing covid19 symptoms, please stay at home
6. It is recommended that you take a lateral flow test before attending this event.
 
Please head to the start along the track (to the left of the school as you look at the map). The lodge gates to the right of the school will be locked and you will not get access to the route. There will be Marshall’s to help direct you.
 
 

**********

Borders XC Dunbar 6th February 2022

Torness Power Station –

Thorntonloch EH42 1QS

6th February 2022

Junior Race 11:00am

Senior race 12 noon

This is a new course and venue for 2022. The venue is none other than Torness Power station just east of Dunbar – at the eastern edge of East Lothian. Did you know, it is capable of supply electricity to over 2.5 million homes in Scotland! The race course takes in Thortonloch and Skateraw coastal areas.  The post code is EH421QS. It is easy to find, directly off the A1(S) from Dunbar.

Nb: The A1 can be a busy road – please take extra care when accessing and leaving site at end of the race.

Parking

All parking is at the venue. Follow the main access road into site, turning right at the mini roundabout following road down towards the sea front. Please follow signs. Parking will be in the large gravel overflow car park down by the seawall.

Courses

The courses are NOT suitable for spikes. There are some hard gravel trails and tarmac on the course. A lighter trail shoe would be perfectly suited rather than an out and out fell shoe. The trails dry out very quickly on this part of the coast.

The Junior Course is approx. 2.2 miles taking in tarmac, soft sand, gravel and grassy trails.

The Senior Course is 4 miles taking in tarmac, gravel, rocky sections, sand and grassy trails.

Both courses start and finish at the same location. This is at the corners of the overflow car park. All competitors should both drive and cross access road responsibly.

Toilets

The nearest public toilets are at Thorntonloch Caravan Park 300m from start point – these are just off Marshal point 2 as indicated on the XC course route maps. There are also public toilets just 1.5 miles south of Torness on the A1 accessible via car only.

Other facilities

No additional facilities will be provided. No food or drink will be provided.

Covid 19 guidelines:

1. Follow current local covid 19 guidelines at each race
2. Sanitise hands on arrival
3. Social distance wherever possible
4. Respect others
5. if you or anyone in your household are showing covid 19 symptoms, please stay at home
6. It is recommended that you take a lateral flow test before attending this event. 

News January 2022

Hawick 23rd January Both courses start and finish at the same location. This is at the corners of the overflow car park. All competitors should both drive and cross access road responsibly.

(1)   Toilets

The nearest public toilets are at Thorntonloch Caravan Park 300m from start point – these are just off Marshal point 2 as indicated on the XC course route maps. There are also public toilets just 1.5 miles south of Torness on the A1 accessible via car only.

(2)   Other facilities

No additional facilities will be provided. No food or drink will be provided.2022

Minto Golf Club TD9 8SA.

Junior race 11:00am Senior race 12 noon

Teviotdale Harriers are looking forwards to welcoming you at the Borders XC Series at Minto on Sunday 23rd January. Both routes are a little different this year as the routes no longer loop southwards into the woodlands at Minto Glen, but the routes will be clearly marked and marshalled. Maps are attached showing the routes but please note permissions for access are in place for race day only .Limited toilet facilities are at the Golf clubrooms.
Parking at Minto Golf Club car park will soon fill up , and so most parking will be at the roadside. Please do not park in Minto village but park on the roadside in the areas marked in blue on the attached map. These are the minor road signposted Deanfoot Farm on turning first right after crossing the river north of Denholm, or the straight minor road heading eastwards towards the golf course entrance accessed by taking the second right turn after crossing the river. Please Park responsibly and follow parking marshals ‘advice and allow at least 20 minutes to get from parking to the start area. It is recommended that all traffic travels on the main roads to Denholm then turns north on the B6405 so the majority of traffic is arriving from the same direction to avoid congestion on the minor roads and this will make parking a little easier for everyone.
When warming up please do not warm up on the golf course and be mindful that golfers may be playing .
We are hugely grateful to Minto Golf Course, Lord Minto and all the landowners on the route.

Spikes are not suitable as there are short sections of tarmac and hardcore.
 
  December 2021

Urgent News Borders XC Paxton House

One month on and the impact from Storm Arwen can still be seen with countless trees that had stood for generations left strewn on roadsides and in fields after being downed in one night. Paxton House sadly did not escape the damage caused by storm Arwen with many of the trails blocked and unsafe. The Paxton estate team do not have the resources to clear away such devastation in time, its going to take months. Sadly we have no choice but to cancel this year’s race at Paxton House which was Scheduled for the 9^th January 2022.. I thank Northam running club host of the Paxton race for their efforts in trying to find alternatives but to no avail. 

Paxton House is a very popular venue and has supported the Borders XC series for many years and we wish them all the best as they recover from the devastation  caused by storm Arwen.

With four races left in the series it has been agreed that it will be three to count instead of the usual four, this will include qualification for the traditional memento given out at the last race.

• 23rd January 2022 Hawick
• 6th February 2022 Dunbar
• 20th February 2022 Chirnside
• 6th March 2022 Galashiels

Covid 19

In the face of the new Omicron variant, it is uncertain what restrictions will be in place regarding the prize giving and presentations at the last race. We will update everyone in due course nearer the time. I thank you for your understanding and hope to see you at Hawick (Minto Golf Club) on the 23^rd January 22.

Peebles Race 12th Dec 2021

We look forward to hosting the PEEBLES round of the Winter Series on Sunday 12th December 2021, starting in Hay Lodge Park. As with all rounds this year, the Junior race starts at 11:00 am, the Senior race at 12 Noon.

We expect the public toilets in the park to be open, but alternatives are in Kingsmeadows Rd Car Park, and the Eastgate Car Park, which are also alternative parking locations, only a 10 min walk/jog to Hay Lodge Park. Please park considerately. (Parking at Hay Lodge is limited to about 50 cars.)

Please maintain social distancing until you are called to the start line, give everyone a safe distance when passing, respect other users of the park and trails, and move away from the finish line as briskly as you can once your timing chip has been scanned.

 Enjoy your race!

27th November 2021

It is with regret but after careful consideration Borders cross country race at Spittal Sunday 28th November 21 cancelled.

Berwick has been very badly hit by Storm Arwen, there is extensive debris on the beach and tides are running high. The next race in the series will be Peebles on the 12th of December 2021. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by last night’s storm in particular members of the local organising club Tweed Striders who will be busy clearing away the storm damage. 

Replacement Wrist Band

In the unlikely event that you have lost your timing chip wristband you can purchase a replacement at a cost of £5. Please give us 48 hours notice prior to your next intended race.

Click here to purchase replacement wrist band. All runners on the start line require timing chip wristband.

1st November 2021

The Race packs have been posted out and should arrive this week. See you all at Lauder. Nearest post code to Start TD2 6AD.

dates:

• 7th November 2021 Lauder
• 28th November 2021 Spittal
• 12th Dec 2021 Peebles
• 9th January 2022 Paxton
• 23rd January  2022 Hawick
• 6th February 2022 Dunbar
• 20th February 2022 Chirnside
• 6th March 2022 Galashiels

Please check the web scorer start list. If any of your details are incorrect for example club missing, please let us know via the contact link on  web scorer.

Click here for web scorer start list

News September 2021

Entry for the Borders Cross Country

is now  closed. 

Unfortunately we will be unable to offer any further places.

There is no entry on the day. 

For those of you who have a place the organisers will be sending out bib number and wrist bands soon.

The first race will be at Lauder 7th November 2021. Junior race 11:00am

Senior race 12 noon. Good luck.

Entry for this year’s Borders cross country has been very popular as always. If you are on the waiting list as of today 04/10/2021 please check your emails as you may have been sent an invitation to take up a place. You will have 24 hours to respond and accept your place. Good luck. 

I can confirm that the borders cross country winter series will go ahead this year 21/22.  Entries will go live soon:

dates:

• 7th November 2021 Lauder
• 28th November 2021 Spittal
• 12th Dec 2021 Peebles
• 9th January 2022 Paxton
• 23rd January  2022 Hawick
• 6th February 2022 Dunbar
• 20th February 2022 Chirnside
• 6th March 2022 Galashiels

There are a few changes on how the series will be managed.

A new wrist band timing chip will be used to allow a safer environment for officials and runners, in particular officials at the finish line

Each runner will keep their own unique wrist band and will wear this together with their bib number at every race. The wrist bands are light weight and robust and can be kept not only for this series but re-used for future races year after year. There will be a purchase cost of £5 per wrist band.  Replacement bands will be available again at a cost of £5 each.

Senior Cost:

£16 for all eight races plus £5 wrist band total £21

Junior cost:

 £10 for all eight races plus £5 wrist band total £15

To avoid congestion at registration all bib numbers and wrist bands will be posted out prior to the first race at Lauder on Sunday 7^th November 2021.

To minimize mixing of junior and senior participants. The junior race will start at the earlier time of 11:00am. The Senior race will start at the usual time of 12 noon. 

Organisers will follow the latest covid 19 guidelines in operation at the time of each race and will expect full cooperation from participants. 

Presentation of prizes is likely to be by post but will update everyone in due course.

Dates for the 2021/22 season.

• 7th November 2021 Lauder
• 28th November 2021 Spittal
• 12th Dec 2021 Peebles
• 9th January 2022 Paxton
• 23rd January  2022 Hawick
• 6th February 2022 Dunbar
• 20th February 2022 Chirnside
• 6th February Galashiels

News April 2021

With all last season’s races cancelled due to the Covid 19 pandemic. The Borders XC committee look forward to returning this year but await guidance from the Scottish Government. 

Last Years News 2020

It is with great sadness that we have taken the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Borders Cross Country Series 2020/21.

Back in March 2020 when we were at Chirnside for the presentation round, we could not have anticipated that this day would come. But over the last few months we have all had to adjust to a new normal.

We have been continually assessing the situation over the last three months, consulting with government bodies, agencies and stakeholders,  there is still too much uncertainty as to when events will be allowed to take place and also what the restrictions will be.

The health, safety and welfare of our runners, volunteers, marshals are at the heart of everything we do and will always remain our priority. We feel it is our responsibility to protect everyone involved, including our emergency services and local community who have always been so supportive.

Finally, we are considering holding a single borders cross country race in early spring but that’s only if the situation allows. We will confirm details later in the year.

Ethos of the Borders Cross-Country Series

The series was started over 30 years ago in order to give all runners, regardless of ability and / or age, the opportunity to take part in organised – hence safe - cross-country running. 

The series include both Junior and senior races. Junior races are approximately 2 miles and the senior races are approximately  4 miles. 

The premise behind the series is that all runners are able to experience the joy, excitement and benefits of running cross-country in a friendly, supportive and sociable environment whilst enjoying the magnificent scenery to be found in the Borders, East Lothian and North Northumberland.  The series is organised by the following eight clubs. Chirnside, Dunbar, Gala Harriers, Lauder limpers, Moorfoot, Norham RC, Teviotdale Harriers and Tweed Striders.

The competitive element has always been – and still remains - secondary to this.  In order to preserve this ethos of support, friendship and non-competitive rivalry. The series runs from early November to early March entry is online via entry central and would normally go live in October.