The 2025 XC County Championships held in Oswestry, Shropshire, were marked by challenging conditions, with cold temperatures testing both competitors and supporters throughout the event.

Course conditions were tough due to the cold but each and every one of our juniors gave it there all and were rewarded with a nice amount of smiles (some Frozen on) and silverware.

This event serves as a qualifier for the inter counties with top 8 competitors in with a chance of qualifying for the inter-counties race in March.

U13G

The day started off with the U13 girls and we comfortably won gold in this category. Winning this race this year was Libby who has won three of the last four age group county championships (Yr5 Yr6 & Yr8) and seems to be getting stronger every race. In 2nd place was Roni K who has had one of the best seasons for a lower year in the UK. Next up was Selina V 4th, Arya 6th, Amelie 7th, Lucy 8th and Eva 12th. Top running from our youngest girls who are a real force to be reckoned with.

U13B

Another team gold followed with our U13 boys. Winning this race was Oscar who is getting fitter and faster with each race. Next up was our amazing biathlete Thomas in 2nd with Logan 4th, Joshua 11th, Charlie 13th and Rory in 17th. Amazing running from the boys.

U15G

Our U15 girls were also team champions this year. Chloe won individual gold and she had a race on her hands for the first half of the race before pulling clear. Next up was Emma-Jayne in 3rd, Megan 4th and Olivia in 6th.

U15B

We only had two competitors in the U15 boys race which was dominated by Telford AC. First home for us was Finley in 4th followed by Dexter in 6th.

U17G

In the under 17 girls race we only had one competitor, but that one competitor smashed it coming home in 1st place. Very well done Elsa!

U17B

Last up was the U17 boys who were dominant in claiming the team gold. Alex was our first athlete home in 2nd place, followed by Zac 3rd, Jake 5th and Toby in 8th.

Seniors

We did not stay for the seniors, but we hear they did very well winning the senior team titles.

We would like to extend a special thank you to all the marshals, volunteers, and event organizers who made this event possible. Their hard work, dedication, and commitment, especially in such cold conditions, ensured the event ran smoothly and safely for all involved. Without their tireless efforts, this championship would not have been the success it was. Another big thank you to the coaches and SAC helpers who have helped get the juniors to the positions they are which makes the whole process very exciting.

Report and pics by courtesy of Jamie Adams

With so many great pics to choose from, it was a tough call to choose the main image, but there are plenty more in the Gallery.