I am sure the cross country is free to members of the striders in possession of a UK athletics card, Dawn, Brian, Les should be able to confirm this Dennis at Sutton will be made up he has been trying to get the Striders into the X Country for as long as I have known him, I would have been up for running this but I am working I would advise wearing spikes or if not got any trail shoes good luck
When I`ve done these races in the past if I remember rightly it was £1 per race in the Manchester X country league but I don`t know what they charge as a guest runner even though your affilliated to UK athletics.
johners is correct there is a charge for guest runners i think its the same for everyone running as a guest.........as it is on home soil i think you should try x/country even if its not your cup of tea its great training for leg strengthening