The second cross country fixture for the West Bromwich Harriers men saw us travel some distance to Plock Court, Gloucester. The description of the course was that it a 3 ¾ lap course largely along flat playing fields. Common consensus was that the course actually consisted of a 4 full laps which resulted in a number of runners doing a premature sprint for a further finish line than expected! What was beyond doubt was that the weather conditions were extremely cold and that gloves and multiple layers of clothing were essential. The Senior Team results was that the men finished in 10th position with a score of 410. However, there was not much difference between the West Bromwich Harriers and those clubs around us. What perhaps is becoming clearer with the first 2 results of the season is that there is a slight gulf between the 3 teams that got relegated from Division 2 and the other teams fighting for promotion. There are 2 races to go.
The West Bromwich Harriers men managed to field a team of 8 runners and results were as follows: Ryan, who set off quickly and initially led the field, was first in 11th with a time of 37.20. James, whose renaissance continues, was next in at 43rd with a time of 40.28. Following James was Steve who came in at 76th position with a time of 43.01 and seemed to get stronger and stronger with every lap. Viewing Steve getting stronger and stronger from an increasing distance, was myself, with a time of 43.39 and finishing 82nd . After me was Greg, pacing it beautifully and consistently at around 7.15 mins per mile, in at 98th position and with a time of 44.34. Next in and making the final runner to count for team rankings was Ash who was not far behind in 100th place with a time of 44.42. Ash apparently had a shoe come off during the race and that was not surprising given that conditions were surprisingly boggy in parts of the course. Bringing the men’s team home was then Rob, who continues to improve and improve, in 108th position with a time of 45.12 and Dave in a time of 46.07 and who finished 122th. There were a total of 223 brave runners who completed the course in the bitter cold. Congratulations to all runners who competed.
The Senior Team results was that the men finished in 10th position with a score of 410. However, there was not much difference between the West Bromwich Harriers and those clubs around us. What perhaps is becoming clearer with the first 2 results of the season is that there is a slight gulf between the 3 teams that got relegated from Division 2 and the other teams fighting for promotion. There are 2 races to go.
A number of thank yous are in order. Firstly, thank you to Severn AC and all the marshalls for organising an excellent event. It was hard enough competing in those conditions so to organise and marshal in those conditions must have been really really tough. Secondly, thank you to Chris who not only drove a number of us runners down, but also officiated and ensured the team did not lose 200 points as a result. Chris was also very vocal in his support of all runners and this encouragement really makes a difference to those competing. Thanks Chris. And, thirdly, thank you to both Steve and Greg who also provided lifts to fellow West Bromwich Harrier runners too.
The next cross country fixture is on 13 January 2024 at Pelsall North Common and hopefully again we will also have a strong men’s team. I also understand the West Bromwich Harriers ladies will again be competing at this event with us (after competing Race 2 in Stratford – a very tricky hill course). For those contemplating doing cross country – give it a go! It really is a great team event and you’ll notice your running on the road in the following spring and summer will improve as a consequence of doing it. If nothing else, do it for the tea and cakes and treats afterwards.
link to results: https://www.birminghamccleague.co.uk/
Daniel
(guest poster)
Race 2 for the ladies was held by Stratford AC at Clopton Park.
As parking was quite a distance from the start and the men were at a different venue we decided that the tent was not required.
We all met not far from the start and found a safe location for our bags (thanks to Leah’s son Noah for being the coat/bag watcher)
The course starting on a hill (suppose we have Karl to thank for the hill training sessions!) it consisted of 2 very undulated laps around two fields. As the day was so cold meant we didn’t have too much mud but just had to deal with the -1.5 degree temperature.
Another great turn out for the ladies despite the weather as we managed to field 6 runners which consisted of Olivia who was our first runner across the line coming in 114th with a time of 39:07, followed very closely by Lucy in 117th in 39:09, our next runner across the line was Leah who placed 149th in 43:02, Emily was next 167th in 45:28, then there was me 197th in 54:12 and Tara 198th in 54:16.
The team results positioned us 24th out of 26 teams.
Link to the results: Midland Women’s XC League Division TWO (racetecresults.com)
Well done Ladies and onto the next race where we will be joining the men again at Pelsall Common, with the tent and cakes ready to go!!!
Laura
Well done to all who ran and supported!
The new year is fast approaching, we have had a fantastic year but it’s not over yet! We have our Park Run Grand prix at Cannon Hill park on the 16th, Greg has organised a quiz night for Wednesday 20th and the race we all have a chance of winning…the boxing day handicap !
Have a Merry Christmas and I hope you get some nice running gear under the tree!
Karl.
West Bromwich Harriers 