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 31 races to choose from. 15 Road Races, Plus any official Marathon in 2026, 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), marshal, 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	2 points
SK5	2 points
NYD Bare Wrist (1st Jan 2027)	2 points
Total available	6 points

Additional points for representing the club at the following events

We have added 3 additional points for representing the club at certain races

Events;
Midlands XC	1 point
English National XC Championships	1 point
Sutton Park Relays	1 points
Total available	3 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.

2026 Races

Dates are provisional, please check with the race organisers.

Month	Date	Name	Type
Jan	25/01/2026	Walton Wobble 10k	Road1
	15/02/2026	Rugeley 10 mile	Road2
Feb	22/02/2026	Knype Pools 5	Offroad1
March	01/03/2026	Cloud 9	Offroad2
	07/03/2026	DIRTY DOZEN 12K TRAIL (CHASE)	Offroad3
	15/03/2026	Secret “South Cheshire” 20	Road3
April	05/04/2026	South Cheshire 10k	Road4
	16/04/2026	Spring Treble 1	Offroad4
	19/04/2026	Uttoxeter Half	Road5
	23/04/2026	Spring Treble 2	Offroad5
	30/04/2026	Spring Treble 3	Offroad6
May	07/05/2026	Mowcop Killer Mile	Road6
	16/05/2026	“Matlock – Whitepeak”  10K  (Coach Trip)	Road7
	16/05/2026	“Matlock – Whitepeak”  Half  (Coach Trip)	Road7
	31/05/2026	9 Locks Challenge	Offroad7
June	07/06/2026	Westbridge 5	Offroad8
	13/06/2026	Wincle Trout	Offroad9
	21/06/2026	Stone St.Michaels 10K	Road8
July	04/07/2026	Derrington Dash 5K	Offroad10
	19/07/2026	Ipstones 5	Road9
Aug	02/08/2026	Trentham 10K	Road10
	30/08/2026	Denstone 10 mile	Road11
Sept	13/09/2026	Newcastle 10K	Road12
Oct	11/10/2026	Werrington 10K	Road13
	24/10/2026	Park run (?)	Offroad11
Nov	01/11/2026	Flying Fox 10	Road14
	28/11/2025	Cheddleton 10K	Road15
Dec	TBC	Dec Handicap	Offroad12
	(*) 27/12/2026	Wheaton Aston 10K	(*) Reserve
??		Any Live official Marathon in 2026	Road16

Plus 3 x NSCCL cross country races (Betley, Park Hall and Keele), not Stafford

 
 
 
 
 

Premier Group

 
 

*Lowest scores not included in Best12 total

#Joker score

 
 

Group 1

 
 

*Lowest scores not included in Best12 total

#Joker score

 
 

Group 2

 
 

*Lowest scores not included in Best12 total

#Joker score

 
 

Group 3

 
 

*Lowest scores not included in Best12 total

#Joker score

 
 

Group 4

 
 

*Lowest scores not included in Best12 total

#Joker score