English National Cross Country Championships 2014

[Wed 5th Mar]

On a lovely sunny, windy day the English National Cross Country Championships were staged at Wollaton Park, Nottingham - with over 10,000 athletes and spectators attending creating a fantastic atmosphere - hosted by Notts AC.

There were record fields of finishers in many races.

The senior ladies race saw a record number of 708 finishers.

The 8k race consisted of 2 laps incorporating a hill leading upto Wollaton Hall (Batman’s Wayne Manor) a muddy stream and a couple of boggy patches-making it a fast course. The winner - Gemma Steel from Charnwood AC finished in 27.42; followed by Steph Twell from Aldershot Farnham and District in 27.59.

I finished 555th in 43.24

The spectacular event of the senior men’s race saw a huge field of 1657 - including bronze Olympic triathlete Jonathon Brownlee running for Bingley Harriers - who finished in 9th place. The race was won by Steve Vernon of Stockport Harriers in 36.23 - with the first north east placing by Nick Swinburn of Morpeth Harriers who finished 4th.

The men’s 12k race consisted of 3 laps. Although Kevin struggled to keep up with Brownlee - he ran a great race finishing 1560th position.

Many thanks to Heaton Harriers who kindly invited us to share their tent.

A fantastic event with the great history of the National still maintained.

Helen