The National Cross Country Championships take place in February each year. For a while now they have been taking place just over the county line at Callendar Park, Falkirk. Practically a home venue for us.

Question: When is it?
Answer: Saturday 21st February, 2026

Question: How easy is it to enter and how much does it cost?
Answer; Juniors £8:00, Seniors £9:50 just click on this link https://scottishathletics.justgo.com/Workbench/i/r/public/EventsAndBookingsPublic/details/F364ADCC5768349D8C488AE6133CB6837D11128F
Entries close at 5pm on Thursday 5th of February.

Question: How good do I need to be?
Answer: That depends, if you want to finish in the top 10, then you need to be lightning. If you are a Senior and just want the privilege of being fit enough to take part I would say if you can complete 10k in under an hour then you will be fine. See attached file for summary of times across the Women's and Men's Races from 2025. If you are a Junior and you did well in the West Lothian Schools Champs again you will be fine.

Question: Will I get lapped?
Answer: If you are a Senior there is a chance, but then again like me you are probably used to be lapped at training so it is not a big deal.

Question: What is the atmosphere like?
Answer: It is brilliant, from the banter and mutual support in the club tent, to the cheers of "come Lothian" from random spectators on the course, to the cow bells and shouts as you pass through the tented village. In summary, it is more a cross country festival than a stuffy Champs.

Question: What footwear do I need?
Answer: Spikes or Trail shoes both are fine, in fact think of it as a lower priced Trail Race through historic and scenic grounds.

Question: Is there a qualification standard?
Answer: The only criteria is you must be a member of Scottish Athletics. It is one of the few sporting events where you can put your toe on the line with Olympians and take your chances. (Clearly, some of us will be at the back taking no chances)

Question; Why should I enter?
Answer: Why not, there are ten races from U13 Girls to Senior Men, you train all year round why not go to the Nationals and see how you fare? Plus, for every LRC finisher we get one point, this will help us to stay in Tier One.

Question: Who else runs Cross Country?
Answer: This season so far 70 Juniors and Seniors have represented Lothian Running Club at Cross Country, a 75% increase on season 21/22. So don't have a case of FOMO. See attached file for full list.

Happy to answer any further questions in the comments.