OXFORD Mail Cross Country League organiser Luke McNeill confirmed that no children under the age of seven can enter this year’s event.
The new season, which starts at Ascott-under-Wychwood on Sunday, November 3, will see a new event named ‘race 0’ to cater for increasing numbers in the under 11 age group.
Runners aged nine and ten will remain in race one and under nines go in the new event.
However, the change prompted questions whether children as young as five could enter.
McNeill said: “League rules state that competitors have to be members of a club, so lower age limits will apply.
“If no limit already exists, then seven is the lowest age to enter.
“I will be keeping a close eye on the race in terms of safety.
“Clubs should enter children into the races as in previous years, but using the different race structure.”
Meanwhile, the Chiltern League season begins at Watford on Saturday, with Combe’s Steve Naylor (Bedford & County) the defending men’s champion.
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