Cross country running was definitely an acquired taste, especially on a winter morning when you sploshed through muddy fields.
Or worse, there were the winter days when you battled to stay upright on icy lanes.
Here are nine cross country scenes to take you back to those unforgettable days from High Tunstall in 2007 to Summerhill in 2008 and 2010.
5. On their way in 2008
The start of a race at the 2008 Schools Cross Country event at Summerhill. Photo: TC
6. Magnificent memories from Martyrs
A charity cross country championships in aid of Dementia UK, at English Martyrs School, in 2018. Photo: Kevin Brady
7. Running for charity
The Hartlepool Youth Athletics Club Annual Club Cross Country Championships. It included a fun run to raise money for Stand Up To Cancer in 2019. Photo: Kevin Brady
8. A photo before the race
Do you recognise the runners from the 2010 Hartlepool Junior Schools Cross Country Championships at Summerhill? Photo: FLR