PR professionals and photographers will be all too familiar with the challenges that we faced when organising a photocall to promote the 2026 English National Cross Country Championships in Sedgefield. The aim was to highlight the great support that was given to host club Sedgefield Harriers by the North East Combined Authority. Together, the club and the North East CA used the event to encourage more people – especially youngsters – to get active. On behalf of all involved, we teamed up with Sedgefield Community College and organised a visit to the venue for the championships, to give students a taste of the course and the chance to take part in some mini races (with prizes!).
Pictured are Lesley Strickland, North East CA lead for sports and events (front left) and Sedgefield Harriers chair Sue Dobson (front right), along with students from Sedgefield Community College
That was all well and good, but the good old British weather was determined to have its say (and perhaps remind everyone that cross country races are not generally known for being held in warm and sunny conditions). It had been dreich at best all week and the forecast was not about to change, so we persevered with our plans and gathered in Hardwick East Park in the cold wind and rain. Despite that weather, there was a lot of energy and plenty of smiles, and with the support of North News, we captured some great images. And so did the Northern Echo, who joined us for the muddy fun.
Sticking with our plan paid dividends, generating some great media coverage on specialist and regional platforms:
Once we all dried and thawed out, we were able to reflect on a good job, well done!
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