Long Form, Dispatches : The National Cross-Country Relays. A Prelude.

Cross is back. In this preview of our upcoming Long Form Dispatch from the English National Cross Country Relays, Danny Easton takes a journey of discovery into the roots of the event itself, cross-country running and relay racing. Via the community and culture which define them. Ahead of this weekend’s race we hear from the people who shape it; athletes, coaches, team managers and journalists. Uncovering the nuance, rituals, idiosyncrasies and competitive pulse of this very British of competitions. Brutal, muddy, raw and charming. With thanks to: Keith Scofield (Team Manager & Coach, Hercules Wimbledon AC) Fred Slemeck - (Runner, Hercules Wimbledon AC) Ed Mallet - (Runner, Hercules Wimbledon AC) Ben Pochee (Team Manager & Coach, Highgate Harriers) Jake Smith (Runner, Cardiff AC) Jess Piasecki (Runner, Stockport Harriers) Mark Hookway  (Team Manager & Coach, Tonbridge AC) Mick Woods (Team Manager & Coach, Aldershot Farnham & District AC) Jason Henderson (Editor, Athletics Weekly) Cambridge Harriers AC