Heaton Park, Manchester, 14th October.
The newly merged Manchester XC league started in warm conditions at Heaton Park, some runners even complaining of dehydration !
The course is not a killer but by lap three is taxing !
Although the men were without Tom , Mike H and Rob D , it was a great turn out with thirteen running. Two full teams , perhaps three at the next race ?
The ladies also had a full team and in new surroundings seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves , providing welcome support .for the men .Clare may have some pixs of the water jump ! Those could be interesting . Rob Downes will put on the site perhaps.
The full results can be viewed under www.bbresults.com but for now some narrative.
Kate Ayres made a welcome appearance leading the ladies home hotly pursued by Nicki Mowat who had a super run. Not far behind were Captain Kate and Clare . A fine team effort.
Damian led the men home in 13th place. Malcolm who made a mad dash from Halifax where he had raced in a fell race in the morning , was second WRC runner home . Just behind was Stuart and then Jim.
Graham , Ray and Nick were closely bunched for most of the race with the last mile finally putting some clear daylight between each runner. The finishing order remaining the same.
Steve Dempsey was a new recruit , had a fine run and was even smiling after !
Mike Cooper was as solid as ever , despite still carrying a nasty groin injury rather like myself.
Ian and Gavin were in hot pursuit , two XC stalwarts.
Ian Ashcroft caught two places on the final hill finishing strongly .
Rob Dunkley was exchanging memories from events over the last 20 years on a nostalgia trip but continued his improvements of recent months .
Trevor as relable as ever completed the team. With more runners back for the next race , we can perhaps have a third team of counters to join Trevor.
Race numbers have been allocated to 34 WRC runners who retain their numbers. Plenty left for those joining us in future races.
The next race is at Boggart Hole Clough , 18th November . See you all and all new recruits there !
Thanks and well done to all who ran .