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 2025/2026
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 2025/2026 fixture list is as follows
- Sun 12th October 2025 | Blackcap | Hosted by Lewes AC
- Sun 23rd November 2025 | Snape Wood | Hosted by Wadhurst Runners
- Sun 14th December 2025 | Whitbread Hollow | Hosted by Eastbourne Rovers
- Sun 11th January 2026 | Seaford Head | Hosted by Seaford Striders
- Sun 8th February 2026 | Whitbread Hollow Beachy Head Route | Hosted by Run Wednesdays
- Sun 16th March 2026 | Pett | Hosted 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 2025/2026
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 2025/2026 fixture list?
- Race 1 | Saturday 11th October 2025 | Venue: Goodwood Country Park
- Race 2 | Saturday 8th November 2025 | Venue: Stanmer Park, Brighton
- Race 3 | Saturday 6th December 2025 | Venue: Ardingly Showground
- Race 4 | Sunday 7th February 2026 | Venue: Glyndebourne, Lewes BN8 5UU
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 2025/2026
During the season a number of cross country championships are held. Details as follows
- Saturday 27th September 2025 | Goodwood Cross Country Relays (Sussex Championships)
- Saturday 18th October 2025 | South of England Cross Country Relays | Wormwood Scrubs
- Saturday 1st November 2025 | ECCA Cross Country Relays | Berry Hill, Mansfield
- Saturday 8th November 2025 | London XC Champs | Parliament Hill
- Saturday 10th January 2026 | Sussex Cross Country Championships | Little Common, Bexhill
- Saturday 17th January 2026 | Sussex Masters Cross Country Championships Coombe Farm, Lancing
- Saturday 24th January 2026 (tbc) | South of England Cross Country Championships Beckenham Park Place
- Saturday 21st February 2026 | ECCA National Cross Country Championships | Sedgefield, Co Durham
- Saturday March 7th 2026 | UKA CAU Cross Country Championships | Nottingham
The results of the earlier championships can be found on the Sussex County website.