Midland Cross Country Championships report by Steve Herington, Leamington Saturday 26th January 2019
Couriers sadly did not have a team in either the men’s or women’s events – unlike our rivals, Wye Valley, who were well represented in both races. Oddly, Cheltenham, like us, failed to field a men’s team. On a damp, mild afternoon, 263 women from all corners of the Midlands set off on a tough 5 mile course, featuring a good mix of speedy grassland and, on each of the two laps, a pair of tough climbs and a couple of muddy brooks to negotiate.
Courier, Naomi Prosser, had a brilliant run in 65th, in 37.22, less than half a minute down on WVR’s leading runners, Laura Tootell and Jodie Newell. A real shame that she has not been available for the Hereford League, as she would surely be in the scrap for individual honours. The men’s race was three of the same laps, totalling 7.5 miles. Steve Herington was our only representative, finishing under the hour, in 311th of 403 but having the consolation of taking the M70 Championship nearly a minute clear of his nearest rival.
Maybe next year we can field full teams in the event, showing off the talent we have in our ranks.
Steve