The fourth and final round of the North Midlands Cross Country took place at a snowy Bulwell Hall Park in Nottingham. A small band of Grantham Running Club members took on the flattest course of the series – the additional challenge was the layer of snow/ice on the course. This was a reverse route from previous years with the addition of a short run through the woods and with the waterlogged area covered in ice in places.
It is a competitive league with a wide range of teams running. Therefore, the competitors do spread out quite quickly over the course. The women took on 2 laps, equating to 6km and the men ran 3 laps, covering 9km. Harriet Morgan was first home for the ladies’ team in 28:51 minutes. Next up was Sarah High in 32:07, closely followed by Sylv Hull in 32:11. Nicci Whittaker came home in 33:28 followed by Caroline Davis in 33:58. Paula Ebbins completed the course in 41 minutes.
For the men, Rob Howbrook completed the course in 39:50 followed by Peter Jennings in 40:30 minutes. Jaimie Lord ran his first cross country event in 47:11 minutes, with Craig Drury bringing the team home in 48:19.
Everyone enjoyed the final league meeting and Russel Whittaker, who was unable to participate, led the cheers and took on the role of official club photographer for the day. Well done to everyone who has taken part across the four rounds. The ladies team finished in 4th place overall and the men’s team in 8th place.
