Cross Country
Grand Prix
Ryston Runners AC organises an Open Cross-Country Grand Prix series of 6 races every year from October to March. Races take place in woods at Shouldham Warren in West Norfolk, on various Sundays starting at 10:30am. These races are suitable for runners of all ages and all abilities.
ABOUT THE COURSE
Shouldham Warren is a beautiful, undulating wooded area. The runs predominantly stick to the main fire break trails that scatter the warren. Underfoot conditions vary dependant upon the weather: in dry conditions some trails can get sandy, in wet conditions certain areas can get particularly muddy. That’s why its called cross country, right?!
A TRIED & TESTED FORMULA
These events are run as they have been for the last 30+ years. We deliver a stripped-back, no-frills racing experience. We comply with all the relevant safety standards and medical provision requirements but there are some things you should know before you come:
- Prizes are modest
- Entry fee and refreshments are cheap
- Toilets are available
- Any payment on the day is cash only
- There is no chip timing
- Full results will be posted here in the evening of each race
HAPPY RACE RULES
- Respect our volunteers and respect your fellow runners
- Keep the start/finish area clear during racing, waiting for the last runner to finish before rushing the start line in order to comply with the point above
- Pick up your own litter as well as that of your dog(s)
- Please don’t expect your time and position to be available as soon as you have crossed the line
- Familiarise yourself with your route (arrows have been known to be moved by the public)
RAce Dates for 2026/2027 Season:
Sunday October 11th 2026
Sunday November 15nd 2026
Sunday December 13th 2026
Sunday January 10th 2027
Sunday February 7th 2027
Sunday March 14th 2027
Race schedule and distances
10:30 – Under 10 (up to Year 4): 800m
10:40 – Under 12 (Years 5&6): 2km
11:00 – Under 14 (Years 7&8) & Under 16 (Years 9&10): 4km
11:20 – Under 18s/ Seniors / Masters: distances as below:
Under 18s alternate: 5km, 4.5km, 6.5km, 5km, 4.5km, 6.5km
Seniors (inc. U20) & Masters alternate: 5km, 9km, 6.5km, 5km, 9km, 6.5km
(Masters Categories: MM35/40/45/50/55/60/65+, FM35/40/45/50/55/60/65+)
Course Maps
Downloads
How to Enter
Online pre-booking
You can enter online up to the day before each race. Numbers will be collected on the day.
On the day cash entry
You can also enter on the day, subject to a £1 additional cost. This is cash only and change is not guaranteed! Please book in by 10:00 a.m (or at least 30 mins before your start time).
Entry Fees
Juniors: £4 – under 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, affiliated and unaffiliated
Seniors/Masters, Unaffiliated: £9 (+£1 for on the day entries)
Seniors/Masters, Affiliated: £7 (+£1 for on the day entries). This includes a £2 discount for England Athletics affiliated runners
Prizes
At each event:
Prizes will be awarded to the first three in each age group/category in that day’s racing.
At the end of the 6 race series:
Series prizes will be awarded to the first three in each age group, as follows:
- Juniors: Age groups under 16 and below will aggregate their 3 best times.
- Under 18s: according to the aggregate time for one each of 5km, 4.5km, 6.5km races.
- Seniors/masters: according to the aggregate time for one each of 5km, 9km, 6.5km races.
Masters will score in the age group for which they have 3 valid times.
Mementos will be presented to non-medal winners who complete the appropriate 3 races.
There is an inter club competition in which clubs score points for finishing positions in each age group, the winner being awarded the visitor’s cup.
There is a primary schools competition in which the under 10 and under 12s score points for finishing positions, the first 3 schools being awarded shields.
There is a trophy for the most improved club.
There is an individual trophy for the outstanding performance of the series.
