"Absolute Mud Fest" at Lord Wandsworth College Cross Country Fixture
The Southern Cross Country League (SCCL) returned to the historic grounds of Lord Wandsworth College on Sunday, 21st December for its third fixture of the 25/26 season. Despite the heavy winter conditions, more than 380 runners turned out for what many described as a classic cross country challenge.
The 4.6-mile course, organised by the Hart Road Runners, lived up to its reputation for being notoriously difficult. The two-lap route wound through undulating woodland tracks and paths that had been transformed by recent rainfall. Steve Drysdale, a competitor from Alton Runners, succinctly described the course as "an absolute mud fest," while fellow runner Jane Law added that "it was exhausting wading through all the mud and water." However, the difficult terrain did little to dampen spirits, with participants praising the excellent organisation and the encouragement from the marshals stationed along the route.
Alton Runners fielded a particularly impressive team of 32 athletes, consisting of 15 women and 17 men. The high turnout was especially notable given that the club had held its Christmas party just the evening before. Under SCCL rules, the first four runners from each club contribute to the team’s overall score. For the Alton men, the scoring athletes were James Perrett, Alex Hall, Steve Drysdale, and Christian Coles. The women’s scoring team was led by Sarah Lewington, Wendy Kilner-Smith, Debbie Rhodes, and Florence Smith.
The Southern Cross Country League, which consists of more than 20 clubs based in and around Hampshire, holds six events between November and March. With the December fixture now concluded, the league turns its attention to the new year. The next race is scheduled for Sunday 18th January and will be hosted by Alton Runners at the picturesque Chawton House. The Grade II listed manor house and its surrounding parkland—usually home to a quiet herd of sheep—will provide the backdrop for the fourth fixture of the SCCL season.