Lord Wandsworth College played host to the third race of this season’s Southern Cross Country League  .The approximately 4.5-mile (7.2k) course was as advertised; undulating, mostly woodland tracks and paths, with some muddy sections . . . and then quite a few even muddier sections.  More so after all the rain we’ve had recently!

Like last year, conditions were actually kind to us.  It was relatively mild, dry, with just a slight breeze.  Nothing like the infamous past editions where the wind tears across the start field, usually accompanied by freezing sideways rain. (I may have forgotten to mention this possibility to some of our newer members).

Fourteen red vests took on the course.  A smaller turnout than usual, but still a great effort given how busy this time of year is with Christmas prep, holidays  and unfortunately also a few injuries.

We also had a couple of first-timers to cross country and you absolutely smashed it!  Hopefully Lord Wandsworth hasn’t put you off.

A massive shout-out to the all-important support team, who provided transport, childcare, photos, scoring, food and refreshments.  The smell of mulled wine, sausage rolls, cakes, and mince pies filled our little area of the field.  Thanks to Steve, Laura, Millie, David and of course all the very well-behaved little Lissers.

Have an awesome Christmas, and hopefully we’ll see you at the next XC fixture - Chawton House, 18th January 2026, 11:00 start.

Lots of photos available on the Liss Runners Southern XC WhatsApp group

Team Liss

Ladies - Caroline Brown, Mollie Dyer, Lucy Jenkinson, Laura Rogers, Catherine Seager, Anna Wemyss, Alex Wilkinson

Mens - Sam Brear*, Andy Brown, Tom Frost, John Harfield, Paul Hawes, Andy Paton, Stavros Valourdis

* Lissers making their club debut at the SCCL