Cross runners add rigidity to the system.

The grid system consists of main runners and cross runners with the main runners providing the primary structural support for the lights, air boots and panels.

It has always surprised me that for such a good Cross runner you've probably only run the World Cross once or twice in the last five or six years.

There were grids to walk on,' says Hills, 'but the slabs had been placed longtitudinally on cross runners, and many of us used to slide off into some swampy hole.'

At the first crossing runners invariably get their feet wet on the sandy bottom, and the other crossings are over concrete culverts, although the river could be running over these if there has been enough rain just prior to the race.

MARLOW 5 Handy Cross Runners Entry form available from the Handy Cross Runners Web Site Monday 3rd June at 5.00 p.m.