The Cross Country season kicked off for Grantham Running Club with several members of the club heading to Markeaton Park in Derby for the first fixture of the North Midlands Cross Country League. The wet weather conditions on the way there cleared up nicely for the start of the afternoon.
The ladies were first up in a new 2 lap, 6K race over a course that, although initially flat, had several testing hilly sections on each lap. Fortunately, ground conditions were favourable. Rachel Hamilton had a perfectly paced race and was first GRC lady home in a time of 26.13. Harriet Morgan was second for GRC and pleased with her time of 29.22 which sets a benchmark for future fixtures. Jo Grace in her first cross country for the club, put in a strong performance to finish in 29.23. Next back was ladies team captain, Sarah High in a time of 30.53 earning herself third place in her age category. Marj Spendlow, Caroline Davis and Andrea Ward all put in fine performances with a race between them to finish in 31.37, 31.39 and 31.45 respectively. Bringing the team home with a consistently paced race was Nic Webster in 33.29.
As a result of their efforts the GRC Vet Ladies start the League in 5th place.
In the men’s new 3 lap, 10K race, the quality of the field was fantastic to see. Despite the earlier wet conditions returning and lasting for most of the men’s race, GRC’s Russel Whittaker put in a very strong performance and was first back for GRC in an impressive 33.46. Next back, and finishing strongly, was Rob Howbrook in 38.57 which earned him first place in his age category.
Peter Jennings followed, acquitting himself well with an impressive run in a time of 39.50.
Jason Blair and Matthew Williamson both put in strong performances to finish in 40.24 and 40.33 respectively.
Andrew MacAllister put in a fine, consistent effort, pushing on to finish in 48.28. Andrew was followed by Craig Drury, who is returning to running after some time out with injury. He was pleased with his performance of 49.33.
The men’s Vet team lies in 8th place.
It was great to see so many taking part in XC and, overall, all who participated loved it – it is definitely a fixture to do again next year. The next North Midlands fixture is on 14th November at Glebe Park in Corby.
More photos of the event can be found here care of Andy Mutley Photos