Mid Week Road Race League 2013 – on your marks.....

As the nights get longer and the spring marathons become memories, it’s time to look forward to the mid week road race league. These are the 10k summer races for everyone - young, old, fast and not so fast! As league champions last year, there is a title for Striders to defend, but, just as importantly, there’s also some summer running fun to be had. 

New to this? Here’s what you need to know: 

What’s the MWRRL? The league is a series of five evening 10k races across Herts and Essex for local clubs. Striders are in the top league with five other clubs. Since it's a closed event for six clubs, the races are great for socialising and friendly rivalry with other runners from local clubs. Points are allocated to the top 12 men and top six ladies (and vets). The club with the best points score over the first four races wins the league. 

MWRRL, 2012: will we beat this spectacular Strider turnout in 2013?

Who takes part? There can be up to 500 runners in each race. The races are suitable for all standards and everyone's contribution to the team score helps. Lots of last year’s success was down to new members. 

Where and when? This year’s league starts on Thursday 23 May at Welwyn Garden City, with races at Royston, Stevenage, St Albans and Trent Park, Enfield in June and July . 

Why take part? Why not!? MWRRL has something for everyone. We asked a few Striders  what they enjoyed when they took part for the first time in 2012: 

• It’s a great way to run with friends in new places 
• There’s the chance to chart your progress and hopefully bag a 10K PB or two 
• It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, and cheer and be cheered on by your team mates 
• You get club championship points for taking part, and this year there are more on offer at Royston on 4 June, as a ‘scoring race’ 
• There’s cake at the end! 

Want to know more? Richard wrote about the 2012 races for the blog here.  

Interested? Good! To take part you need to be a fully paid up member of Striders and have a club vest. Watch the forum for details of individual races and for opportunities to car share, and see you on the start line!