Over the last couple of years our results have gone from strength to strength.
Last year the men won the Cheshire XC Champs for the first time , this year we were runners up by three points.
But its the Manchester League where the real strength is and its a true test over a five race series.
Going into the final race today at Wythenshawe Park , any number of outcomes were possible : only the male vets team were guaranteed a result : champions for the fourth year running……what other medals could we pick up ?
More than we perhaps dared to have imagined.
A great turn out saw both men's and ladies races become a swathe of blue and gold.
Results and photos already on display at : http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2009/index.htm , scroll to February 7th and the Manchester League results.
Our talisman big Malc was injured and hobbled his way around not even counting : What result could we come up with ?
Let me summarise the cumulative results and how the medals were settled : check out today's placings on the above link.
Men : 2nd team behind Trafford and winning vets team.
Ladies : 2nd team behind Trafford and 2nd vets team behind Stockport.
Male Individual honours :
2nd overall : Malcolm Fowler
3rd overall : Jim Pendrill
Rob Downs finished fifth overall and Tom 6th : four runners in the first six overall.
Vets categories :
Medals for Malc , Rob , Tom and Trevor . First three vets overall
Ladies Individual honours:
1st overall : Clare Stevinson
2nd overall : Vicky McKinnon
Vets categories :
Medals for Katy , Kate , Nicky
A stunning set of results over a five race series and from the best that the Manchester and District and Cheshire can offer.
The results can be summed up by the turnout : check all positions on the above link but running today were : Vicky , Clare , Sue , Katy , Sally , Kate , Clare , Nicky ,Catriona , Ang , Julie ,Nina , Louisa , Sarah , Jim , Rob , Tom , Stu , Trevor , Ray , Steve , Rob , Lachlan , Mark , Don , Gareth ,Geoff ,Gavin , Simon , Roy , Trevor. ….That's our success 31 racing today , what a remarkable turnout .
Great support from Tony , Ian G and as always Dave .
We overlook the contributions from all : the numbers that have turned out so regularly to help to shape the success .
To sum it all up as the presentation ceremony was complete , there were fifteen left grouped around the fire ……you guessed all from Wilmslow .
Congratulations on our best ever XC season .
Nick.
Good to see Laclan running so well on his WRC debut. Not many runners can say that they’ve finished ahead of Malcolm first time out ;).
Fanstastic turnout and results, it just gets better, what a season!
It’s a privilege to be a part of this club. Next stop the national.
Interesting experience today at the back of the field wondering whether I would be lapped by Trevor! Looking at the results I wasn’t even fast enough to get in the Wilmslow ‘B’ team!
Never had so many conversations with runners during a race before, most of which began “What are YOU doing back here?”.
Was it a gamble racing today when still recovering from injury? “Yes”. Was it a reckless gamble? “No”. I was fairly confident that if I just bimbled along without striding out I would be OK.
It was interesting how I ended up running the last lap alongside Mike Cunningham from Manchester Harriers. 20+ years ago Mike was one of the runners I used to be battling with near the front of local races and here we were battling for 135th place!
Great turnout by both mens and ladies teams throughout the season. It sets a good challenge to beat next year!
Like your post Malcolm ! Welcome to life at the other end !!
Clare , hope your foot is ok ?
24 seater coach now booked for the Nationals : Driver included and we are in the main coach park so no worries on arrival .Leaving WRC @ 7.30 and return for 11.30 : Sourcing sports cenntre for shower after race although Clare S mentions facilities at course ? Meal on way back : We have some 15 booked to date : Mens and ladies teams and a few travelling spectators !!