McCain Challenge Cross-Country
Blyth Running club had three athletes competing at the McCain
Challenge by UK Athletics cross country race yesterday. This first race
was in
Scott Povey and Jake Jansen competed
in the under 15 event, both acquitted themselves very well in the muddy
conditions.
Susanne Hunter raced in the senior ladies race; unusually this
race was in the middle of the programme as opposed to the normal Harrier League
format of last race. Distance was 8 km this was considerably further than
the normal Harrier League ladies distance.
The course was undulating with a considerable steep climb
incorporated into the route; the surface was well churned up after a few
previous races. The race was won by the new Scottish International and
European Junior Champion Steph Twell.
In second place was another Scottish International Helen Clitheroe.
This was the third time that Steph Twell had won this event.
Our ladies
vice captain ran very well, carefully following the pre race plan to the
letter, after the first of the four laps she was clearly making inroads into
the group in front. As it progressed and the going got tougher the
athletes in the group in front were being picked off one by one, until a large
gap had opened up between the first and the second groups. Susanne completed
the course, coming in an outstanding 2nd over 35 lady
(and 1st over 40 lady). As you can see by the photograph Steph Twell was
having to kick hard at the end! (Twell in the white top).
Prizes of
a commemorative t shirt, silver (2nd place over 35) medal and cash were awarded
to her in front of the press and all on the rostrum! This was a great
achievement against very tough experienced opposition.
Funny, after all these years Id never thought Id ever see (or
rather hear) her speechless!
The event was very well organized, with plenty of instructions,
good parking and spectator activities; it will be good to see our club
represented again next year and hopefully with even more entrants. A great race programme, well done to all
three of our athletes.
Iain Singer