Entrants are pictured above at the start of last year's race at Stowe. Click the thumbnail below to see an illustration of the medal this year's participants will receive.
6 August 2008
Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's 31st annual Cross Country Race, incorporating the UK Fire Services Cross Country Championships, takes place at Stowe on Sunday 5 October 2008.
It is the 21st year the event has taken place at the historic National Trust-owned landscape gardens. Last year it attracted more than 90 competitors.
Eddie Gutteridge, Life Vice-President of the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service Sports Association, is the driving force behind the event. This year he has negotiated the use of a new section - for the first time the course will cross the picturesque Palladian Bridge. This will be depicted on the medal that all participants will receive.
Eddie said: "This is without doubt one of the best cross-country courses in the country. All members of UK brigades are cordially invited to come and enjoy the special atmosphere that is Stowe.”
A map showing the venue location can be found on the National Trust website. The venue postcode is MK18 5DQ.
Entry forms are available here in Word and PDF. The closing date for entries is Friday 26 September 2008.
Event information summary
Venue: Stowe Landscape Gardens (National Trust), Buckingham, MK18 5DQ.
Course: Undulating sheep-grazed parkland including gravel path and bridleway. Multi-lap course of 5 miles (8km) - a new course running through the Palladian Bridge by special permission of the National Trust. Women will have the opportunity to run only 2.5 miles (4km) but will not be included in the championship race.
Race start time: 14.00hrs men and women.
Start: Adjacent to Thanet Walk, near Queens Temple, Hawkwell Field.
Car parking: On grassland off the main drive beyond the National Trust information centre (400m on from security gate). Park on the left side beyond the "Fire" notice.
Reception, changing and showers: In sports pavilion, adjacent to the rugby pitches on the main school frontage. Special requirement - do not walk across rugby pitches. Use grass periphery by main drive fence. Race numbers issued on the day - arrive by 13.00hrs please.
Presentation and refreshments: School dining room from 15.30hrs.
First aid: Provided by a qualified Fire and Rescue Service officer.
Risk assessment: Carried out by organiser.
Race permit and rules: Permit number 70/08 under UKA rules.
Memento: Each participant will receive a bespoke personalised medal. 100 have been ordered - to ensure that there are no disappointments, brigade representatives are advised to telephone anticipated team numbers to Eddie Gutteridge on 01296 715203 by 1 September so that additional medals can be ordered if necessary. Souvenir T-shirts will be available at a cost.
Race awards: First three individuals men and women, age categories and team awards determined on entries received by Thursday 26 September 2008. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service awards - same criteria with three score on Watch or Station entry. Team scoring - 4 men, 3 women on finishing position with separate race scoring.
Entry: £8 per person (extra £2.50 for supporters' hot meals) using entry form. Name changes permitted on the day.
Thanks: The use of the venue for cross-country running is a special privilege to the Fire and Rescue Service. Sincere thanks are expressed to the National Trust and Stowe School for the use of facilities and to Chris Whitehead, tenant farmer, for his support and livestock management flexibility.
Note: FSSAA Athletics AGM, 12.30hrs, Sports Pavilion - please attend.
Queries: Please ring Eddie Gutteridge on 01296 715203.
"To visit Stowe is to view part of our historical heritage and to run here is an experience to be remembered."