Saturday 21st February , the "English National XC Championships".
The chance to compete alongside internationals in search of a "National title".
http://www.englishcrosscountry.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=39&Itemid=48
The website has the honours going back over a century as well as yesterdays results . Dave Bedford , Brendan Foster , for the last four years Liz Yelling , all have won the "National" (six months pregnant Liz Yelling was unable to defend her title!)
Stars of the future are created here ….one Paula Radliffe has won the junior title!
For Ray and Trevor day its a day of memories ….For Malcolm its a reminder that we are all mortal as he tells of his own previous National bests ! For Clare , its her best day out of the year !
http://mickhall-photos.com/index.php?q=gallery&g2_itemId=143 for photos although a number of our own runners took a variety of pixs.
We left Wilmslow on a 24 seater minicoach at 7.30. Some tired people but all with keen anticipation .
Some snoozed , some read , some listened to ipods , some chatted .
The sun climbed into the sky and by mid day we were at the course . Despite the warm sun and Clare and I were now in T Shirts , the course was deep in mud . Thousands of runners and spectators were camped out close to the hill that was the climb away from the 150 metre wide start line ( Alsager please note !!).
We sat enjoying the sun and the occasional " Look there's Nick from Altrincham or Gary from East Cheshire" was heard . Some were "star" spotting : A combination of international runners or "celebs" that live in the area close to the park. Some looked through the 100 page programme .
Bu 1.30 the ladies were ready for a warm up before moving to the start . Everyone has to be checked as they move through a "runner only marquee" and then into their designated pens.At 2.15 the gun went and the ladies were away .
For a few the chance to be crowned "National Champion " for others the chance to be part of a "Championship winning team " …..For the majority to know they were there .
As you race around the course the PA system tells of which international is now leading , usually paraphrased with just back from winning "Gold" at the European championships !!
1. Hatti Dean : Hallamshire Harriers : NATIONAL CHAMPION 29.34
244 . Sue Hool 39.18
260 . Captain Kate 39.54
418 . Catriona Marshall 45.27
466 . Amanda Bradbury 47.39
501 . Nina Birch 51.04
546 finished ….more started and failed !
We finished 50th team out of 63 who had complete teams : some had incomplete teams : From Greater Manchester and Cheshire , Sale were 26th and Trafford 45th .
Puts things in perspective.
By 3.00 the men were away and as is often said , the ground feels like its moving….. .the noise was amazing ….. 1500 men charging up the hill and out and onto the course :
1. Frank Tickner : Wells City : NATIONAL CHAMPION 38.02
252. Mike Halman (Quote …..that was brutal) 46.11
269 . Malcolm Fowler 46.33
278. Jim Pendrill 46.44
291 . Tom Mcgaff 46.56
661 . Mark Bale 52.08
666. Lachlan 52.15
1082 . Gareth (Quote …..that was harder than a marathon).58.52
1433 . Trevor 74.59
1455 finishers .
Ray Eagle also ran and rumour has it was just off the pace in 4th place …..but we will never know …..2001 senior runners had the chip on their ankle …..Ray on his wrist !
36th team out of 112 but had Ray counted as he was doing , a little higher for sure !
Sale , Salford and Altrincham finished above us but Trafford who won the Manchester League finished below us . Steve Vernon of Stockport ( and a Bramhall Park run winner) was eight seconds off being crowned National Champion and finished 2nd but was part of an incomplete team.
Post race Kate passed around hot chocolate mixed with a touch of liqueur! Others had a supply of cakes .
Having showered we headed back to the coach . Jim had sourced a country pub and we arrived near Beaconsfield in a small hamlet by 6.45. Good pick Jim ….reserved WRC table for 14 was ready!
Fed and replenished , we were back on the coach by 8.45.
Nina had brought mulled wine and Gareth red and white wine.
Lively banter followed…..A few who were clearly "tired and emotional" from the experience dropped off!
Just after 11.30 and back at the club.
Top day out and enjoyed by all. Well done everyone for making the effort : An experience to be there and to have done it . Also a great way to finish an outstanding XC season for Wilmslow Running Club.
Next year the North stage the event …..see you there !
Nick.