Now that’s what I call…x-country 2016!

I loved it! It was really muddy. It was really hilly and a bit chilly, but there was a great atmosphere. If you haven’t done a x-country with the club yet you really must. I haven’t donned my spikes for years and I think even then I only wore them once. My babies have always come during the winter so I’ve had a good excuse. The last time I was at Ackley Heads I was weeks away from having baby number two and feigned sympathy with all the runners as they grumbled about the “massive hill” at the end and the generally tough course. Now it was time to face the music…

It was just over 4.5 miles of treacherous mud slides, with many a shoe succumbing to the squelch. The hills were definitely gruelling but it was great fun. I doubt I would be saying that if I’d have to do another lap (as the men did) or lost a shoe. The two laps were enough for me. The support got me through the exhausting last half mile so thank-you all my fellow green and golds and my little mud monster Noel (who has already got the XC bug!) A special mention to the lovely Julie W and her even lovelier Malteser tiffin! Not only does she turn out again and again for these meets but she always turns up with the goods (of the baked variety).

Despite losing 30% of the original team due to illness/work/family commitments the senior men finished 14th out of 30 (even with Brian losing his shoe in the thick mud early on). They were (in order of finish) Tim Nicholson, Simon Lyon, Matt Darbyshire, Dan Weatherill Brian Hetherington, Joseph Collins, John Young, Andy Wigmore, Alan Heslington, Tony Maddocks.

Senior women finished 15th out of 26. They were Sarah Robson, Becki Newman, Emily James, Julie Williams and Sarah Graham.

There were strong junior performances by:

Samuel Train in the U13 boys. He was 59th out of 74.

Elena Walker in U15 girls (22nd out of 50)

Thomas Ferguson in U15 boys (34th with a grading age of 67.6%)

Erin Prior in U17/U20 women (17th overall but 10th in U17)

Poor Mason Stretesky lost his shoe too. Brother Denver finished 27th in the older U20 age group.

Full results here. Photos from the day are on the gallery page.

Everyone who took part deserves a huge congratulations and ‘respect’ for dusting themselves off, glamming themselves up and hitting the Christmas party when all we probably wanted to do was chuck our xmas onesies on and snuggle up on the sofa to watch Strictly and X Factor (ok, maybe just me then). Watch this space for more on the stars taking home the trophies at this year’s prize-giving presentation…

Emily