The soil of Monkhall Farm has been redistributed around the county, if what came off me (and my socks) is anything to go by. A sunny, frosty morning welcomed 127 runners for what was also the county championships. The frost helped to minimise the squelchiness in places, but there was also some serious mud, even if Mervyn generously decided against damming up the stream. Suzanne must have had Clara (JF) in her sights for most of the race, but had to settle for 2nd, 53 seconds behind. She is nevertheless again County Champion, finishing 3 and a half minutes ahead of the 2nd senior lady. Sue had a great race too in 4th (and 1st FV45), with a close packed trio of Gemma (9th, 57.34), Irina (10th, 57.55) and Ruth (11th, 58.14) not far behind, giving the ladies a magnificent 1st team place on the day, and an unassailable 2nd place overall. The B team (completed by Jo [20th, 63.55]) was placed 4th. The men’s team were 3rd (and 3rd overall) – Simon coming home first (8th, 47.18), with Stacey struggling rather in the mud, finishing 12th (48.23). Mark (15th, 48.58) had a fine run as did Neil in 18th (50.02).Glyn (20th, 50.15) and Dave G (22nd, 51.31) led the B team, which was completed by Paul P and Ben R. Adam won a photo finish, with Guy, Ashley, Frank, Rob, Tom and Ben M merely thankful to cross the finish line.
