National X-Country Champs

[Mon 23rd Feb 2009] On Saturday 21^st Feb, Kevin, Emma and Helen made a trip down to London, to compete in the English national cross country championships. This was held at the nation’s favourite venue- parliament hills- with a backdrop skyline of the sights of London.

Leaving at 4.30am, we arrived at 9.30am- in time for Emma’s race, she finished 172nd in the under 17 and junior women and was competing against Steph Twell national and international champion- so it was tough. Helen was next off at 2.15pm and she came 360^th out of 545, with Hatti Dean winning this race. Finally the main event, senior men, where Kevin competed and came 1006 out of 1455, the course was very, very hard with a hill at the start, and lots more throughout the course, seas of mud and forests. However a great day with plenty of sunshine, was had by all, and Birtley harriers kindly let us share their tent. We left at 5.30pm and were home by 10.45pm.

Helen Morris