The customary October fixture that is Heaton Park became round four and January this season. No more the warm autumnal weather, but biting winds and a sky that threatened for much of the day, but fortunately failed to dampen any of the athletes spirits except for sleet as the day came to a close.
The Manchester Area Cross Country League is strong, and its proving challenging this year to hang on to the vests of those ahead of us…More teams, more runners, more competition but it makes for a healthy and competitive days racing.
As always the ladies were away at 1.40 on the dot as the bang of starter David Brown’s gun awaited his watch to synchronise to the second…And then bang…Whispers of smoke clouded the air, and 193 hardy ladies raced down the hill at the start of the course. It’s a fine sight the start of Heaton Park…In fact it’s a fine course. Distances mean nothing in cross country. It’s very much the simplest form of athletics, you versus the terrain and all of the other runners. For what it’s worth, the ladies ran three medium laps totalling 8490 metres.
Ladies captain Di, was confined to her bed, but Katy Green rolled back the years to finish an excellent 8th. It was a tough day at the office but the team finished a creditable 6th, but experience showed with a fine second place in the Vets race.
The men had a strong team out, and that was reflected in an excellent 2nd place in both the senior race but also in the Vets race.
Damian had a fine run finished 6th out of 333 finishers. The team packed well, our sixth counter being Barry Archbold in 43rd… Excellent packing!
Further support from Captain Jim in 56th with a returning to fitness Andrew Whittingham just a few places behind in 60th. Excellent racing in a tough league.
Thanks to supporters on a cold day.
Full results can be found at MACCL
Similarly pictures at HS Photos
The final fixture for the 2014/2015 season is at Wythenshawe Park, Saturday 14th February.
I have reserved 25 places for the Presentation and “eats” afterwards…Its going to be an exciting end to the season and our quest for both individual and team honours.
See you all there!
Nick.