I Ran My First Ever Cross Country Race!

In my 7 to 8 years of running, I've done over 30 half marathons, 5 marathons, 2 10ks, over 100 parkruns, 11 ultramarathons (including a 100 miler), but I've never done a cross country race. In this video, that all changes!
In February of 2023, I joined my local running club the Maidstone Harriers. I've enjoyed being in a running club as it's given me access to a running track, weekly club runs, and has allowed me to meet some great like minded people who love running as much as I do. My brother and his girlfriend took part in the 2022 (last year) cross country season, and have both been telling me I should give it a crack for ages. Finally, I bit the bullet and decided to throw my hat in the ring.
I was a little bit nervous to take place in a cross country race. Whilst I have plenty of experience on the trail, most of my trail running time (racing and training) is spent at a very relaxed and chilled pace. Cross country is a flat out run, and you'll be in a high heart rate zone for the majority - if not all - of the race. Regardless, I was excited to give it a try!
For my first cross country race ever, I headed to the beautiful Knole Park in Sevenoaks, Kent, and lined up at the start on a lovely Autumn morning. In this video, I document my experience and show you some of the sights during my first cross country run. Hopefully, this video gives you some inspiration to take on a cross country race if you're on the fence. I thought it was an absolute blast, and it was really fun racing in a trail environment.
Thanks for watching, and happy running!
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[@bardn5350]

Well done, definitely made it look easier than what it was! 😅

[@michaelbennett6778]

Fab running Craig . Knole is a lot hillier than your video reveals - great pace 👍✌️

[@runningcafe1]

Thanks Michael! I couldn't believe how many hills and layers there are at Knole Park, it was my first time visiting. Loved it though! 🙏

[@reluctantfellrunner]

Wow that looked busy. Best wishes out there.

[@markg99]

Looks a bit like a short, hilly trail race. Well done mate 👍🏻🏃‍♂️

[@SwimBikeRunStu]

Cant beat a bit of ceoss country. Top running 👌

[@runningcafe1]

Cheers Stu!

[@ludovicchanu9677]

Thumb up n#1 !

[@runningcafe1]

Thank you!

[@mijzzzz]

Well done,looked a nice place to run(was going to mention lack of mud) will you be doing more xc?

[@runningcafe1]

Yes, I'll be doing more cross country. I have another 4 races in the league I've signed up to. No doubt they will all be mud fests, but I'm looking forward to it. I think spikes will be more appropriate for those though!

[@BradleySingerRuns]

ive always stayed clear of cross country its the hills/muddy im not a fam of but it looked quite enjayable. well done

[@runningcafe1]

Cheers Bradley, highly recommend giving it a crack if you get the chance