Athletics Northern Ireland Cross Country League 2017 to 2018

The Athletics Northern Ireland Cross Country League is about to enter its seventh year. During this time the numbers taking park in Cross Country has increased year on year and the league has played a key part in driving up participant numbers and introducing new people to Cross Country.  A team element is much more important in Cross Country than in Road Running and so a winter season of Cross Country can play a significant part in bolstering club spirit and camaraderie and in providing a welcome alternative to road competition.

Feedback from Clubs and Individuals did not highlight too many issues with last year’s operation but two significant changes are being introduced. The number of events in the league is being increased to nine with the return of the Stormont Cross Country in February. Given the very crowded pre Christmas period of events involving six races in only eight weeks, clubs will again be able to choose their best 4 scores over these six events (men and women score separately).There will now be three league events in the post-Christmas period and all  these events will count towards the final scores.

The prize fund for the league will be increased with over £2500 in the pot and the first eight teams, (up from 6) in both Men’s and Women’s sections, will receive prizes. It is hoped this will help generate continuing interest throughout all stages of the league.

Therefore the points scoring system for teams will be revised with the first eight club teams of 4 scoring points, with 16 points now being awarded to the winning team 14 for second down to 2 points for eighth.  The individual points score will remain at a maximum of 16 with each runner scoring one point. Clubs do not need to specifically enter the league as the points tally will be compiled from the results of each event included in the league. The final event of the series – the NI & Ulster Senior Championships – will attract double points

Full details of how the points awarded for performance and participation will be scored are available at www.athleticsni.org/events

For more information regarding the ANI Cross Country League 2017 - 2018 CLICK HERE