The League was formed in October 1924, the four founder members being Edinburgh Southern Harriers, Heriot Cross Country Club, Edinburgh Northern Harriers and Edinburgh Harriers.
In the first season there were 4 races with the changing and starts being at Public Baths in Edinburgh. Portobello and Glenogle Baths were the venues, each being used twice. After 2 seasons of 4 races the league changed to 3 and this has remained traditional to the present day.
The competition was originally called the Edinburgh and District Cross Country League, changing name to the present title in 1936.
Clubs compete for the Sandilands Shield donated by George Sandilands of Kirkcaldy in 1927.
Edinburgh clubs dominated the Senior Championship right through to 1980 when Falkirk Victoria Harriers became the first club from outwith the city to win the title. Falkirk dominated from 1983 to 1993 apart from 3 wins by Borders club Teviotdale Harriers.
1993 to 1997 saw Racing Club Edinburgh with a run of wins until City of Edinburgh were victorious in 1998.
In 1999 Fife AC were the champions this being ironically the first time that the prized Sandilands Shield which had come from Kirkcaldy has been won by a club from the north side of the Firth of Forth.
Leagues for the younger age groups were added through the years.
- Youths now called Under 17 Men started in 1956.
- Senior Boys now Under 15 Boys in 1959.
- Junior Boys now Under 13 Boys started in 1962
- Colts now Under 11 Boys in 1976
Leagues for all female age groups were started in 2001