Click here to read Previous Harriers Challenges
The Harriers challenge is open to all members of Stafford Harriers, it’s a bit of fun and adds a little interest to your race diary & maybe introduces you to some races that you may not normally try or of even heard of.
Here is this year’s Challenge and there are 29 races to choose from. 14 Road Races, 12 Off-Road Races, Plus 3 x Cross Country
Please check actual dates nearer the times as race organisers have been known to change dates from the provisional advertised.
If you find confirmed dates that are different from the ones below, then please let us know.
Scoring
Scoring is as follows: The first runner gets the same number of points as the number of runners in the group at the start of the Challenge. (For example, if there are 12 runners, then 12 points.)
Second place gets one less (11 pts), and so on. In the event of a tie, the runner with the fewest races wins.
If the score is still tied, a countback on head-to-head results will be done. (If it’s still a tie, we give up!)
In fairness to all runners, we ask that you wear club colours in all challenge races (without exception) so your group members can spot you.
Failure to do so will mean that you don’t get any points in that particular race.
Awards
Awards are given for the first 3 places of each group. Harriers must run a minimum of 8 races to qualify for an award.
Double point JOKER
Each competitor can select “One” race to play their JOKER and receive double points.
You are free to select one race from the 28 races (*except for the full marathon, and additional points) at any time during the year.
The only rule is that you must notify the JOKER referee in writing (either by email or text) at least
1 week before the actual event (Ian Hodkinson, on 07703687906 or hodkinsonig@btinternet.com ).
Any disputes will be addressed by the challenge committee and their decision will be final.
Additional points for volunteering
For every event, we host we need volunteers to help set up (and take down), marshall, and do the timekeeping. Most of the time this means you can’t run (unless you help set up and take down). So we are adding 6 points for people volunteering!
To qualify for the additional points you MUST book online BEFORE the event (the list will be one or two weeks before the event), turn up, and help. Race Directors are automatically awarded additional points due to their hard work.
| Events; | |
|---|---|
| SGR (11th June) | 2 points |
| SK5 (16th July) | 2 points |
| NYD Bare Wrist (1st Jan 2026) | 2 points |
| Total available | 6 points |
New for 2025: Additional points for representing the club at the following events
We have added 4 additional points for representing the club at certain races
| Events; | |
|---|---|
| Staffordshire XC 4th Jan 2025 (postponed due to weather – waiting for a revised date) | 1 point |
| Midlands XC (Entries already closed) 21st Jan 2025 | 1 point |
| English National XC Championships Parliament Hill London 22nd Feb. Closing date for entries 31st Jan more info | 1 point |
| Midlands Road Relays (Sutton Park) 12th April 2025 | 1 points |
| Total available | 4 points |
No Entry Fee
There is no fee to enter this year. This is just a bit of fun with a chance of a trophy at the end of
the year.
2025 Races
Dates are provisional please check with race organisers.
| Month | Date | Name | Type | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26/01/2025 | Walton Wobble 10k | Road1 | Link |
| Feb | 16/02/2025 | Rugeley 10 mile | Road2 | Link |
| 22/02/2025 | DIRTY DOZEN 12K TRAIL (CHASE) | Offroad1 | Link | |
| March | 02/03/2025 | Cloud 9 | Offroad2 | Link |
| 30/03/2025 | Cheadle spring 5 | Road3 | Link | |
| April | 10/04/2025 | Spring Treble 1 | Offroad3 | Link |
| 17/04/2025 | Spring Treble 2 | Offroad4 | Link | |
| 24/04/2025 | Spring Treble 3 | Offroad5 | Link | |
| May | 08/05/2025 | Mowcop Killer Mile | Road4 | Link |
| June | 01/06/2025 | Westbridge 5 | Road5 | Link |
| 14/06/2025 | Wincle Trout | Offroad6 | Link | |
| 29/06/2025 | Penkridge 10k | Road6 | Link | |
| July | 05/07/2025 | Derrington Dash 5K | Offroad7 | Link |
| 2x options | 12/07/2025 | “Piece of Cake Half” (Coach Trip) | Offroad8 | Link |
| 2x options | 12/07/2025 | “Piece of Cake 10K” (Coach trip) | Offroad8 | Link |
| 20/07/2025 | Ipstones 5 | Road7 | Link | |
| 24/07/2025 | Rudyard Lake 5 | Offroad9 | Link | |
| Aug | 03/08/2025 | Trentham 10K | Road8 | Link |
| 20/08/2025 | Stone 5 | Road9 | Link | |
| Sept | 07/09/2025 | South Cheshire 20 | Road10 | Link |
| Sept/Oct | Local Park Run (TBA) | Offroad10 | Link | |
| Oct | 06/10/2025 | Congleton half | Road11 | Link |
| Nov | 02/11/2025 | Flying Fox 10 | Road12 | Link |
| 23/11/2025 | Weston Park 10k | Road13 | Link | |
| 30/11/2025 | 9 Locks 10km Challenge (Stourbridge) | Offroad11 | Link | |
| Dec | TBC | Dec Handicap | Offroad12 | Link |
| any date | Any Live official Mararthon in 2025 | Road14 |
Groups to tbc