What is the Champagne League?

The Champagne League is a series of 10 races that runs from April to July each year. The races are organised by City of Hull AC and supported by volunteers from the 10 local running clubs who participate. We were proud that many volunteers from Fitmums & Friends came along to marshal at the events last year.

Last year, a total of 240 runners took part. The races take place across the local area and are a mixture of light trails and road. They are usually 3-5 miles in distance with one longer race of 8.4 miles. 

Various prizes are awarded, including several individual prizes, a team prize, and an exclusive t-shirt for runners who complete all 10 races. Last year, two of our members were part of a team that finished in a very respectable third place; and Stuart Spencer won the prestigious ‘Yellow Jersey’ and the Peter Jarvis Memorial Trophy! We were also very proud that our team had 100% attendance.

Details of the races

Race 1 - North Cave - 4 miles

Race 2 - Beverley Westwood - 3.3 miles

Race 3 - Elloughton Dale - 4.7 miles

Race 4 - Brantingham Chase - 3.6 miles

Race 5 – Nutwood Raywell - 3.8 miles

Race 6 - Brough - 4 Miles

Race 7 - Kiplingcotes (handicap reversed start) - 5.1 Miles

Race 8 - Waudby Green (handicap reversed start) - 8.4 Miles

Race 9 - Kiplingcotes (South Dalton) - 5.2 miles

Race 10 - Hessle - 4 miles

Do I have to be a good runner?

The handicap systems means that anyone can do well, irrespective of their athletic capabilities. All the races except the first are handicapped, with points awarded on the basis of 100 points to the winner, down to a minimum of 60. The first race is not handicapped and all participants get awarded 75 points. Races 7 and 8 have a staggered handicap start time, with the slowest runners going off first, followed by progressively faster runners. This system gives every runner an equal chance of finishing first. For more information on how the handicap works, please see the City of Hull AC website.

Guidelines for allocating places to represent Fitmums & Friends in the Champagne League 

The following criteria needs to be met for a member to be considered for a team place to represent Fitmums & Friends in the Champagne League. Applicants must:

1. Have held a Fitmums & Friends membership in the previous year.

2. Be a first claim Fitmums & Friends member.

3. Be affiliated to Fitmums & Friends in the year of competition.

4. Be able to commit to at least 80% of the races.

5. Be able to nominate a volunteer to marshal at an event.

Please note that:

• An official Fitmums & Friends running top/vest must be worn whilst participating in the races.

• If there are more members requesting a place than the number of places allocated to Fitmums & Friends, a draw will take place.

• If a member wins the Peter Jarvis Memorial Trophy, they will be offered a priority place to represent Fitmums & Friends for the following year.