The first day of the new XC season was greeted with mild autumnal weather and a large turnout.Certainly a record number in the men's race (451) with 257 in the ladies.
The bottom meadows were dry and many commented on a favourable course with a finish of a virtual lap of the surround of the track.
Its always interesting watching the talented youth run in the early races…Some very talented youngsters.
It was apparent that numbers were large as the atmosphere grew, the tented area became particularly busy, and Dave Turnbull ( Coach to Steve Vernon as National XC two times winner), said that it was more like the "Nationals" !
The start of the respective ladies men's races are above.
Support was all around the course, bells being rung as runners were cheered around the course.
One new feature this year is the MACCL Twitter account @ ManAreaXC. Photos were tweeted and retweeted as the days events unfolded.
The excellent Harry Shakeshaft has pictures on line at www.hsphotos.co.uk
Full results (provisional), are available at www.race-results.co.uk
A very brief summary…Those that saw more of the races (or ran), will be better equipped to comment.
Wilmslow ladies finish 8th and are lead home by Katy Green in an excellent 19th place…Our ladies Vets team finished 2nd.
Wilmslow men finish 11th and are lead home by Rob in 46th place…To mirror the ladies, the Vets finished 2nd.
The League consists of five races with the best four results ( team & individual) to count. Plenty of running left in the season.
Next race is Sherdley Park, St Helens…7th November ( A clash with the Langley 7).
Congratulations to all that took part.
Nick.