With a couple of thousand runners and as many supporters cheering on, this was a major XC event. It attracts all of the best runners from all the top Athletics Clubs over the whole of Northern England. So no pressure then!
At 12:15, Hannah Cusworth was lining up with 163 other entries in the u13Gs. A 3km course over two laps on soft ground but at least the weather was kind. Hannah had made sure she was near the front at the start and at the gun they sprinted off the start line. The pace soon settled down and it was down to hard work. Concentrating throughout, she held her ground finishing with a sprint to pass 5 runners at the end to secure in 92nd place. A great performance.
Next was James Grannan, u15B amongst 159 other athletes. A 4km course again over a small and then large lap with a couple of extra hills thrown in. James again ensured he was at the front of the pack and after 50m was winning! A more sensible pace was established and James was comfortably in the middle of the pack. At halfway he looked relaxed but now in the upper half of the race. He cleverly used the extra down hill to grab another place. His final position was 89th and I think it was his best performance this season. James looked pleased with it too!
Finally, at 1:50 it was Kevin Acton, u13B with 184 other athletes. The 3km course now thoroughly cut up by 2 1/2 hours of racing was very soft and heavy. Kevin ran strongly but sensibly. He gained ground throughout the race and finished in a terrific 58th place.
It is a great experience to run in these large major XC events. Our 3 club runners worked hard and were rewarded with superb positions. They should be very proud of their achievements.
Results can be found here: Results and a few photographs here: Photos or on the Northern Athletics Web Site: NOEAA
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