What's the Harrier League all about?
Mudman & Mudwoman
Those of you who've been doing the HL for years probably won't want or need to read this but it might just be useful for all those new members who fancy giving cross country (x/c) a go. The HL races are big events for Striders and we usually have around 20-30 members turn up to run, or cheer on their club mates, or usually both!
The League
The league had its 100th birthday last year so it's well established and represents traditional, grass roots running at its best. Striders' men's team was relegated last year to Division 3 for the first time in many years. This was a bit embarrassing but I'm confident that we will bounce back immediately. The women's team finished in 12th place last year so there's plenty of room for improvement and I'm sure we can re-capture the glory years when Striders were the team to beat and the women won the league three times.
There is no entry fee for individual runners as the club meets the cost. Pam has already entered most of you and you can collect your number from Mudman or Mudwoman at your first race. If you haven't been entered then arrive at the race in plenty of time and register at the event centre. You may need to pay a token fee for your number.
Once we've given you your number at either the Sherman Cup (on Sat 24th Oct) or at one of the league races then you need to use that number for the rest of the season so don't throw it away! You must also run in a club vest. When you arrive at a race look out for your club mates and / or the club tent which is a blue family size model.
The Senior Men's Race
These are usually between 5.5 and 6 miles in length and start at approx. 1:15pm. The 'field' numbers between 200-300 runners. There are three packs; fast, medium and slow that set off at 2.5 minute intervals with the slow pack starting first. Anyone running the HL for the first time will start in the slow pack. You will move into the medium pack for the rest of the season and the following season if you finish in the top 30 in a league race. Once in the medium pack you will move into the fast pack if you finish in the top 20. The first six Striders home, irrespective of the pack they started in, will 'count' for the team.
The Senior Women's Race
These will be around 3 to 4 miles and start after the men's race has finished this is usually around 2-2.15pm. The 'field' is normally between 60-100 women. There are two packs; fast and slow which work on similar lines to the men's. The fast pack sets off about 3 minutes after the slow. Finishing in the top 10 from the slow pack results in promotion to the fast. The first three Striders women to finish the race, regardless of which pack they started in, will count for the team. However, the more runners we put into a race makes it harder for the other teams to beat us so it doesn't matter if you are a 'counter' or not.
I hope all this has been useful information but if you have any queries please contact Mudman or Mudwoman via the email list or speak to us on club night.
