PECO 

Winter can only mean one thing. Yes that's right it's PECO time!  Here’s a handy guide to PECO if you’re new to STAC or have questions that you’ve been too afraid to ask!

What is PECO?
It’s a PECO Cross Country League. There’s a series of 5 cross country races organised in and around Leeds in which clubs affiliated to the League compete across men’s and ladies divisions. Each race is about 4-5 miles (usually nearer 5!)

Why’s it called ‘PECO’?
It’s named after the original sponsor PECO (Print and embroidery company). We still get most of our club kit from them (everything except the fancy new vest!)

Interesting! When is it?
It’s over the winter months. 2024/25 events are as follows:

Cross country in winter in Leeds - doesn’t it get cold and muddy?
It can do yes, also we've had snow in recent years too, but that’s part of the fun! 

We usually get a load of STAC’s doing it. Also we have a STAC tent / gazebo!

It’s a League then, what division are STAC in?
We now in the top league for every category! That is the Premier Division for both the Men/Women and the Vets.

Last year the Men were promoted to the Men's Premier Division and finished 3rd in the Men's Vets.

The women managed to avoid relegation from both Premier Divisions (after recent promotions in previous years)

Sounds like we're on a roll! How do we do even better this year?
The places of the top runners score as per the table below:

Are there individual prizes too?
Yes for top 2 women and men overall and top 2 age category.

In recent years STAC have had the overall winners and several age category winners and runners-up.

I’m never going to finish in the top 6-9 STAC’s nor be top age cat, is there any point in me taking part?
Yes definitely! Even if you are not a scoring STAC, you will almost certainly finish above scoring runners from other clubs, thus boosting the differential score between STAC and them.

I don’t really understand that, anything else in it for me?
Yes there's an award if you do all races (last year it was a PECO wooly had). Oh and there's also always cake!

Then there's an awards evening when it all finishes. Those who have been in previous years enjoyed themselves to say the least!

Shut-up and take my money! How do I sign-up?
The only way to enter the race series is to buy a season ticket online in advance for just £18 from Racebest. This provides entry to all five races. Once registered and paid for, you will not need to register again all season. The price of the season ticket will reduce to £10 after race 3 is complete, (ie to include race 4 and race 5). After race 4 the price will reduce to £7 for those entering race 5. 

These prices include free entry to the Peco Relays and to the Peco Presentation Evening.

Is there anywhere to get changed and leave stuff?
Yes, there will be our brand new STAC tent!

What should I wear?
Trail shoes definitely. Some runners will wear shoes with lugs designed for mud on some courses. On colder days recommend you bring a change of clothes. Oh and don’t forget to bring a fresh pair of socks for after!

Is there anything for STAC Juniors?
Yes. there’s junior race, the under 11’s do 1 mile and under 17’s 2 miles. We usually have STAC Juniors taking part.

I see we're hosting a race?
Yes we are hosting the Temple Newsam PECO on 17th and we will need volunteers. Please fill out this form if you are able to help.

We do appreciate we're asking for a lot of volunteering at the moment! 

Finally where can i find more information?
From PECO XC website (where a lot of this information was shamelessly lifted from). This will be updated with course maps and results as the PECO season progresses.

Our run leaders will also be putting on some Cross-country sessions for those new to it or curious!