Report by Simon Edwards
Whilst not the highest point in Nottinghamshire, that accolade belongs to the spoil tip above the Five Pits Trail in Teversal where the summer BDL sometimes alights, Bramcote Hills provided a stern test for all runners at last week’s fourth cross country. With a short, but steep climb into the woods and plenty of variety through the park, the course in parts resembles a mini fell race and is one of my favourites.
WRC were well represented with 14 runners enjoying the sunshine and firm footing and once again punched above our weight, with the men sixth and women ninth, out of 12 local clubs. Chris Sleath won for the second time this season, whilst the other standout performance came from Victoria Smith, who moved up to 8th woman from her previous best position of 20th. Awesome running you two.
The men‘s team welcomed new runner Alex Howard and again packed well inside the first hundred. Dave Brassington ran strongly as second scorer, with Lewis Glover third. The remaining men swapped positions from earlier races, partly down to recent injury, previous day races, shoe lace malfunction and over indulgent nights around the cribbage board. (Olly can lay claim to three out four of those excuses!).
Our women continue to shine with Chloe Gordon and Liz Abrahams once again inspiring each to finish within a point of each other. Nicky Ward was fourth scorer and it was great to see Denise Mackey, 3rd in her age category, pushing runners in other clubs backwards.
With one race to go WRC have a chance of silverware in five categories! Chris only needs to stand up in the last race to win the Overall Men’s, Dave Spencer has the V60 sown up unless a comet descends on the earth before the end of February (Don’t Look Up people!) and Simon Edwards could bag third in the V55. Lewis is second in the V50 and Liz is winning the V45 and depending on the performance of others, could pick up a prize. So, onwards to the mudfest of Holmewood Valley Park, Chesterfield, for the last race of the XC season on 20th February. Can’t wait!