AN iconic grass roots running event is set to make a return to County Durham next month, after the Covid-19 pandemic forced its cancellation last year.
The North Eastern Counties Athletic Association’s (NECAA) 2021 Cross Country Championships (NEXC) will be hosted by Sedgefield Harriers on Saturday, December 11.
Club runners of all ages from across the North East will tackle a course on land in East Park, on the western edge of Sedgefield.
Sedgefield last hosted the ‘North Easterns’ in 2015, on a memorable day when snow made a dramatic appearance that added to the challenge for runners and volunteers alike.
Usually held on an annual basis by NECAA, this year’s event will be the 115th NEXC and organisers are hoping for a big turnout of runners on 11 December after the event’s cancellation in 2020. The event will begin at 10.35am with short races for U11s, followed by a series of championship races during the day for athletes of all ages, from U13 boys and girls to senior men and women.
The senior women's NEXC race gets underway in Sedgefield in 2015 Picture: IAN DUNN
The senior women's race gets underway in 2015 Picture: IAN DUNN
The senior men head out into the snow at the 2015 NEXC in Sedgefield Picture:IAN DUNN
The senior men head out into the snow at Sedgefield Picture: IAN DUNN
In 2015, the championships attracted the highest number of entries in more than 20 years, with almost 1,500 men, women and juniors signing up to take part, and a record number completing the senior men’s race.
Event organiser and Sedgefield Harrier Chris Lines said: “We’re really excited about the return of the North Easterns to Sedgefield.
“Although inevitable in the circumstances, last year’s cancellation was a big disappointment, so it’s great that we now have this opportunity to host the event, and we’re grateful to Durham County Council for letting us use East Park again.
“It’s a really good course for both running and spectating, and Sedgefield is an easy to reach venue for clubs in all parts of the region, so we’re hoping for a big turnout.
“Being outside allows us to hold the event safely, but we won’t be complacent and will be putting in measures to minimise any risks of COVID transmission.”
Entries for the 2021 NEXC close this Friday, November 26 and can be submitted by any club’s team captain at race-results.co.uk/results/2021/necaaxc21e.php
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here