RR10s - possibly the most confusing name ever for a race series

Marwell - Paul Hammond

One of the best bits of being in Southampton Running Sisters is being able to take part in 2 series of free cross country runs - one of which is the RR10 series that takes place on Wednesday evenings in the summer.  The first is at Royal Victoria Country Park in April and the last is at IBM's beautiful Hursley Park in late August.

Did I mention mud?

Paul Hammond's photo of Verity - Alver Valley 2013

So - the name.....  "RR" stands for road race.  But these are not road races - all are tarmac-free on gravel tracks, mud paths & grass.  RR comes from "Hampshire Road Race League" - the local collective of running clubs of which we are one.  10 doesn't refer to 10K or 10 miles, but the fact that there are 10 races in this series.  The length is between 4.5 and 5 miles.

Each run takes place in a different location - and all are marshaled so that even with effort, getting lost during the run isn't an option!  No matter how slow your pace, you will not be left

Itchen Valley - Paul Hammond

alone as there will be a back marker & marshals wait for the last runner.  Trail shoes are good - especially if it's been raining heavily in the week or so before the race.  The least uneven terrain race is IBM Hursley.

Personally, I love this series - and its winter counterpart, the CC6.  Cross country is everything I love about running - beautiful scenery, great company and a physical challenge.  And the route is worked out for me! When the going gets tough, it gets funny when you're with running buddies who will spur you on & giggle about the ludicrous hill/mud/water etc.  Yes, there are (very) fast runners there, but I figure that the cool kids are at the back.  It's a great opportunity too to chat to runners from other clubs.

How to take part

• Get to the start point - but try to allow as much time as possible due to the vagaries of traffic during rush hour in our part of the world!  Car share if possible - it makes finding the start easier and saves on fuel.
• Ensure you are wearing an SRS top to run in.  Don't have one?  No problem - we can lend you one.
• Find the SRS flag (or people in SRS hoodies attempting to put up the flag!) where fellow SRS runners will be congregating.  Make yourself know to the woman with a clipboard (likely to be Tanya, our summer race director) who will note your name & age - and can introduce you to the others.
• Run the race!  It isn't timed - position is what's recorded.
• You'll be cheered in by SRS runners who have finished before you.
• At the end, you'll be given a raffle ticket.  Find the clipboard (at the flag) and note the number by your name.  As backup, write your name on the back of the raffle ticket & store it in the envelope that's with the clipboard.
• Grab a drink from the organisers. 
• Make your way back to the finish line to cheer in SRS runners who are behind you.

Important Stuff

• Not every RR10 has loos!  Check on the website beforehand.  
• Insect repellent is necessary for midges in the Forest, especially mid-late summer.  Also essential for the RR10 we marshal (Manor Farm) as you'll be standing still.
• We can't run in the RR10 that we marshal - Manor Farm.  However, we'll need as many helpers as possible, so please do persuade partners/friends/family that an evening standing in a country park wearing a hi vis vest & pointing is fun!
• You don't have to be fast.  You can be as slow as you need to be & will be fully supported.  SRS is all about inclusive running - and this series is no exception to that.
• Rain doesn't stop play.