XC – Bulwell Hall

Bulwell Hall Park was the venue for the final fixture of the 2024 season’s North Midlands Cross Country League with ten hardy members of GRC making the trip there. After a week of freezing, icy weather, and with a foggy morning to start, the afternoon turned out sunny which was very welcome.  

The women’s 6K, two lap race was first and, despite the sun, the air was sharp and it was still a bit on the chilly side with some very hard, uneven ground underfoot which was a challenge for feet, ankles and knees. 

Marj Spendlow, who has taken part in all four of the fixtures, was first back for GRC in 29.47.

She was followed by GRC’s Women’s Team Captain, Sarah High, who finished third in her age category.  The ever consistent Caroline Davis finished a few seconds later. Thankfully, some improvements had been made to the course which benefitted the runners – we did not have the mud bath half way round that featured last year.

For the men’s 3 lap, 10K race, GRC’s men all started strongly and pushed themselves round the course.  Men’s Vice Captain, Russel Whittaker, put in a strong performance finishing first for our men in 32.51. Afterwards Russel remarked that he really enjoyed this particular fixture.

Peter Bonner who put in a great effort, was back second in 37.48  and was followed by the ever improving Peter Jennings.

Next to finish was Rob Howbrook, who is returning to fitness, but still battled to finish third in his age category.  Cross country regulars Craig Drury and Andrew MacAllister completed the team, both putting in a sterling effort. 

Unfortunately, Jack Holroyd sustained an ankle injury on the first lap – it is surprising that the team escaped with only this one injury, and had to withdraw from the race. However, Jack has already confirmed that this has not deterred him and he will be back for more cross country next season. 

Yet again the event brought out the super team support and camaraderie that has been a feature throughout the season.  The general feedback was that it was a good course, a great run to complete the 2024 NMXC League and great fun making for a sociable afternoon.

The overall results by age category after the 4 races are:

Ladies…
Marj Spendlow – 3rd in age category

GRC Women’s team 5th team overall.

Men:
Russel Whittaker –  4th in age category 
Craig Drury – 7th in age category
Peter Jennings – 3rd in age category
Andrew MacAllister – 3rd in age category  (Andrew is more than happy with this result given all the other 12.7 million pensioners who couldn’t even be bothered to turn up!)

Well done and great running everyone. 👏

As a club we are looking forward to next season and we encourage more members of GRC to give it a go.

Photos c/o Chris Hill Photography

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