Zwarte Dennen Cross

About the race

The Zwarte Dennen Cross is a forest cross-country race in the Staphorst state forest, around the De Zwarte Dennen recreation area. The course is entirely unpaved forest paths, sand tracks and bridle paths, with the odd sharp climb; spikes are allowed. The afternoon starts with the youth: 900 metres for the youngest and 1250 metres for three older age groups, each on its own loop. Then come the 5 and the 10 kilometres, which both use the same five-kilometre loop. Timing is by a chip on your laces and finishers receive a medal. The race counts towards the Vechtdal cross-country series, in which five races decide the standings — you have to finish at least four to be in contention for the overall win.