GRC was well represented at another Lincolnshire XC event on 3rd December, which took place at Stroxton, near Grantham.
11 men and 5 women made up the teams and were guided round the course by an almost equal number of GRC volunteer marshals and others who gave up their time to help before, during and after the race. Everyone agreed the marshals were fantastic, as they provided much needed support and encouragement for the runners, as well as some fantastic photos and captions afterwards.
Stroxton is a familiar venue for cross country and the course can best be described as “fieldy” with added mud, particularly around any gates and inclines. Spikes were essential.
The men were the first to go, for their 8.64km, setting off after the loudest starting pistol in the world, which left runners and bystanders jumping in shock and plumes of smoke blowing across the start line. Exact times don’t appear to be correct on the results site, but GRC team members: Jake Richardson, Joaquim Jeronimo, Matthew Atter, Gav Meadows, Jason Walker, James McMullen, Russell Maksymiw, Kevin Wallace, Peter Jennings, Andrew MacAllister and Paul Jepson all did a great job, with Jake in first place and Joaquim in 3rd.
The women then had the joy of the well-trampled field for their 6.07km, and given the relatively small numbers racing, all decided that a quick start and aiming to maintain that would be better than hanging towards the back. This tactic worked well for everyone, with Sophie Davies and Harriet Morgan bringing home the team in first and second respectively, followed by Andrea Ward, Sarah High and Caroline Davis.
It was a shame not to have had more competition, but this was a well organised and successful event, despite the low numbers. Plenty of smiles, good humour and cheering from the wider team and marshals made the day. Thanks to all.
