North Eastern Counties XC Championships

 

It was great to see some Green and Golds turn out for the North East XC Championships on December 8th.

This year we made a return to Wrekenton, which is the familiar opening venue for the XC Harrier League season. But, unlike the mild, dry and often sunny conditions of the first Harrier League fixture in September, this occasion was much more tempestuous (and as a result, tonnes of fun!)

The championships are longer than the usual four and six mile courses. Us ladies had just shy of five miles and the poor fellas had nearly 7.5 miles to contend with (and I think six is harsh!) There were all kinds of weather going on, which did make it a lot more entertaining, and our small but tenacious ladies team all finished with smiles on their faces.

But it was over to our sensational Sam Charlton to take the glory, finishing in first place in the under 17 men’s race (6k) in a dazzling 21.19. The double rainbow was a fitting backdrop as he crossed the line with ease.

Our other gutsy juniors were Hannah Caroline who ran 18.28 in the u15 girls’ 4k. Denver came 15th in his 8k in a time of 34.26.

Our women’s team were 15th overall. Sarah Robson stormed through in just over 36 and a half minutes. Our fantastic new addition Sam Crooks followed shortly in just over 38 and a half minutes. Emily (40.34), Julie Williams (42.02) and Julie Collinson (45.37) made up the fab five.

In the men’s team our captain Simon led by example, finishing in 49.48, followed by:

Tim Nicholson 50:05, Andy Graham 50:47, David Diston 53:29, Simon Charlton 57:33 and Danny Hughes 59.12. They came 16th overall. Keith O’Donnell, Adam Hamilton, Ian Gowing, Mick Lindsay and Lee Pattinson all put in cracking performances.

Full results are here.

We’re back into Harrier League season this weekend at Temple Park in South Shields and there is all to play for. It’s the perfect way to blow the cobwebs away and start the New Year as you mean to go on.

I know there’s lots of cracking races on at this time of year but please put your club first whenever you can and come out in your green and gold to help your team mates. Every one of you counts!

Emily