Herefords Winter X-C League: Race 1 (Castlemarton Common)

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A mild day, with a southerly breeze and very dry underfoot saw the first league race held at Castlemorton Common, courtesy of Malvern Joggers. I feared a fast, flat course, but it turned out to be only partly true – the half mile start/finish was on flat tarmac, then the 2.5 mile loop we ran twice had a not inconsiderable climb to it, but the last two miles to the finish were a downhill, then flat, gallop for the younger runners with reserves in their legs. Jon Barnes won in 40.23, well clear of Luke Mason in 2nd. With Stacey injured, first Croft runner home was Simon in 9th (46.33), closely followed by fit again Stuart in 11th (47.05), Dave A (47.21) and (fit again) Neil P (47.27), putting the A team in 2nd place (out of 20), behind Wye Valley (who took the first 3 places). Ashley (49.51), Dave G (49.59) and Mark (50.19) packed well, with Mick close behind (51.01) in 34th overall and 1st MV55. Ian Price reappeared (‘having not trained’) and ran well to finish in 53.26, 2nd MV60. Martin sprinted home in 54.03, overtaking a number on the finishing straight, including Guy (54.22) and (maybe also?) Neil T (54.57). Daren, Tom, Larry, Brian D and Dave R snr completed the D team. The ladies had good individual results, but were ‘thin on the ground’ on the day: no Gemma, Suzanne, Rachel, Kim, Catherine or Sue P. Sue Davies ran well to finish 3rd in 51.27, and first FV45, in the wake of Emma Gooderham (Commonwealth champion) but beat the talented young Clara Evans into 4th place. Jo reappeared and ran strongly to finish 21st (62.27). The ever improving Sam also had a good race (26th, 64.49), a little ahead of Liza (28th, 65.43). The ladies team is in 4th place out of 12. Full results soon on Results page.

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