On October 31st GRC runners set off to Berry Hill Country Park in Mansfield, for this year’s national English National cross-country championships, organised by the English Cross Country Association. This is one of the biggest fixtures of the year, attracting more than 1,000 teams from clubs across the UK.
This year (unlike previous years where conditions were harsh to say the least) the weather was just right, with sunshine and a slight breeze and conditions underfoot were perfect for gambolling round the woods while being overtaken by elite athletes.
The 2.5k course offered a mix of terrain, round parkland and woods with plenty of ups and downs and log jumps, which were a highlight. The women’s race comprised one lap, the men got double the fun with two.
GRC were pleased to be able to field 3 women’s teams and 2 men’s teams. The ladies’ teams were made up of 3 runners, with the first lead-off competitors participating in the bedlam of the mass start before handing over to their teammates at the end of their lap.
𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗔
Harriet Morgan: 14:08
Holly Wragg: 16:02
Sarah High: 5:09
Team time: 45:19
𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗕
Caroline Davis: 15:38
Marjorie Spendlow: 15:33
Sylv Hull: 14:59
Team time: 46:12
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Nicci Whittaker: 15:27
Zoe Wragg: 16:50
Paula Ebbins: 17:48
Team time: 50:06
Harriet Morgan was happy starting in first leg managed a course PB despite 99% of the field being ahead of her in the first 100m.
Holly Wragg, despite suffering from a cold and not feeling 100% still went and gave all she could.
Marjorie Spendlow and Sylv Hull loved the race, especially when it came to going through the woods and the log jumps.
Sylv also managed a 1-minute PB.
Nicci Whittaker, who secured herself PB also loved the course and log jumps and enjoyed the experience of running alongside the elites.
Paula Ebbins secured herself a PB in her fastest time yet at this event.
The men’s event comprised teams of 4 runners, each doing 2 laps.
𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗔
Sam Jepson: 18:52
Riley Maksymiw Magan: 20:55
Peter Jennings: 23:03
Russel Whittaker: 19:14
Team time: 1:22:06
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Russell Maksymiw: 22:55
Matthew Williamson: 22:30
Jason Blair: 22:50
Andrew Goddard: 22:55
Team time: 1:29:12
Sam Jepson enjoyed the near perfect conditions and recorded a 26 second PB.
Andrew Goddard was pleased with his performance in his second go at the event, especially given he had not long recovered from a broken ankle, and his start was held back.
Russel Whittaker thought the conditions were great, but as the anchor leg last out for his team found the course rather quiet running despite recording his 2nd fastest time for this event.
Peter Jennings enjoyed the typically enthusiastic GRC support and event. He commented that going out 3rd was tricky mentally as he spent much of his lap being passed by the elite teams. However, he ran strongly and was 20 seconds faster than last year.
The afternoon was a terrific showcase of top level cross country running and GRC provided a great turnout and achievements along with plenty of the usual fun and laughter and support to clubmates.
The Women’s race was won by Herne Hill Harriers in a combined time of 28:42.
The Men’s race was won by Tonbridge AC in a combined time of 59:06.
Report by Marj Spendlow
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