Race Series Report: North Mids Cross Country 2025-26

Thanks to Coach Sam Garside for this roundup of the North Midlands Cross Country race series 2025-2026.

Men’s
The men’s team got their North Midland Cross Country League campaign underway back in October 2025, in surprisingly summer-like conditions!

Race 1 – Markeaton Park
The opening race of the league at Markeaton Park saw Ryan Stocks, Liam Johnson, and Nick Tennant representing KADS in the Masters category.
Results on the day were:

• Ryan Stocks – 131st
• Liam Johnson – 139th
• Nick Tennant – 236th

These performances brought the Masters team home in 13th place overall, a solid start to the league.

Race 2 – Kettering
Race 2 took place on a beautiful afternoon in Kettering. On this occasion, Ryan Stocks was the sole male KADS representative, finishing in a strong 97th place.

Race 3 – Allestree
Race 3 at Allestree delivered classic cross-country conditions, with muddy terrain, a cheeky hill, and drizzly weather throughout the afternoon. Unfortunately, Ryan was unable to participate due to injury, but he was still there on the day, providing full support to his teammates Liam Johnson and Dan Bailey.

Results on the day were:

• Liam Johnson – 108th
• Dan Bailey – 112th

A determined effort in tough conditions from both runners.

Race 4 – Bulwell
The final race of the league took place at Bulwell Hall Park on a snowy afternoon, making for a challenging but exciting finale. Ryan returned to racing, joined by Kev Johnson.
Results on the day were:

• Ryan Stocks – 94th
• Kev Johnson – 112th

These results brought the Masters team home in 11th place overall, rounding off the league on a high.
A fantastic league from the men’s team, showing real commitment, resilience, and team spirit throughout the season. Well done to all the lads who represented KADS across the months — a brilliant effort from start to finish.

Ladies
This year, the ladies joined the league with a delayed start, entering from Race 2.

Race 2 – Kettering
On a beautiful afternoon in Kettering, Sam Garside joined Ryan Stocks on the road trip and began the KADS ladies’ North Midland League debut. Sam finished in 79th place.

Race 3 – Allestree
Race 3 at Allestree delivered classic cross-country conditions, with muddy terrain, a cheeky hill, and drizzly weather throughout the afternoon. This race marked a big milestone for the KADS ladies, as we fielded our first ladies’ team, competing in the senior category.
The team consisted of Lisa Deacon, Zoe Furley, and Sam Garside, with some fantastic performances:

• Lisa Deacon – 46th
• Zoe Furley – 88th
• Sam Garside – 104th

These results brought the team home in 14th place overall, a brilliant achievement and a proud moment for KADS. A big thank you to Ryan Stocks for being the ladies’ support crew, cheering us on and keeping spirits high throughout the afternoon.

Race 4 – Bulwell
The final race of the league took place at Bulwell Hall Park on a snowy and icy afternoon, making conditions tough underfoot. Once again, we proudly fielded a ladies’ team of Lisa Deacon, Zoe Furley, and Sam Garside, with outstanding results:

• Lisa Deacon – 20th
• Sam Garside – 71st
• Zoe Furley – 83rd

This placed the team 10th overall in the senior category, an incredible result and a real testament to the progress the ladies made over the months.

What a fantastic way to finish the league. We are so proud that we successfully had a ladies’ team representing KADS at two out of the four races in our debut year in the North Midland Cross Country League. Hopefully, next year we can build on this success and possibly field a couple of ladies’ teams?

Huge thanks to all the KADS teammates who came together to make the season such a positive experience.
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Roll on 2026/27!

Coach Sam