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. 2025/26 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! Last year it was mostly mild and dry/
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?
For men we are the Vets Premier Division champions! we are also in the Premier Division for the Men.
Women we are in the Vets Premier Division, but unfortunately we were relegated. to the First Division in the Women's.
An up and down year! 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 (it's been a towel and a fetching woolly hat in the past). 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 £17 from Racebest. This provides entry to all five races. Once registered and paid for, you will not need to register again all season. Alternatively can register individually on the day of each race for £8.
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, we will have the STAC tent at every PECO.
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 co-hosting a race?
Yes Kippax are the lead host for the Temple Newsam PECO (in previous couple of years we've hosted). Likely we will be asked to support, more info on this shortly.
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.