On Saturday 12th October, 13 members of Grantham Running Club headed over to Markeaton Park, Derby to take part in the first of 4 legs of the North Midlands league Cross Country.
Kicking off the 2024 XC season, the weather conditions were favourable. The ground was in good condition with a splatter of mud in places – a little tease of what is to come as XC season progresses and something that will really test the grit and determination of runners.
The course consisted of 3 laps of the parkland with the ladies running just over 6km and the men running slightly longer laps to cover 8km.
First up were the ladies with 4 representatives of the club. First across the line for GRC was Marj Spendlow who finished in 34:27.
Nicci Whittaker, despite being under weather, finished second for the club in 36:50.
Agnes Linnea didn’t have the run she’d hoped for on the day but crossed the line in 43:06, soon followed by Rebecca Harper who finished in 43:48 on her XC debut.
Next up was then men with 9 runners from the club. First for GRC was Russel Whittaker in 32:15. Second place across the line for GRC was Dean Riggall in 36:08 with Robin Atter finishing third for the club in 38:11.
Further Men’s results:
Peter Jennings 39:35
Rob Howbrook 41:17
Craig Drury 46:59
Chris Armstrong 47:23
Andrew McAllister 50:23
Jack Holroyd 52:42
At the end of the first leg GRC teams are currently placed 7th in the ladies’ league and 13th in the Men’s league.
Report c/o Nicci Whittaker
Photos c/o Chris Hill Photography and Andy Mutley Photos