The English Cross Country Association Championships took place at the weekend, and four Wreake Runners took on the best XC runners in the UK on a sunny Saturday in Leeds.
Emily H had a short journey of 20 minutes from her term-time home at the University of Leeds to Harewood House, she says:
“Could the weather have been any better? I don’t think so. The sun was shining and the ground was dry. Things were looking good (or easier at least!). After not competing for a number of years it felt almost like a throwback, back to the days of racing in the U13 age group with the Wreake girls.
We walked the course and Dad (Ash), as ever, attempted to provide me with some interesting coaching points. ‘Remember to breath, don’t go off too fast…’. You get the picture. Soon after, I had to remind him that my only concern was making it to the finish line while enduring minimum pain. The race began and I got a good start. The support from the spectators spurred me on and I got into my stride. The final sprint (or attempt) had began, and for the first time in a long time I felt I had that energy and motivation to give it all. I made up a number of places and it made the hard work worthwhile.
Was it a good race? Yes. Would I recommend you run next year? Most definitely. Although it can seem a daunting race to run, the National Cross Country is one of the greatest events of the year. No matter what your speed, or your target, the sense of achievement you receive from competing in this field is like no other. I finished 286th out of 1,034 and I couldn’t feel happier. See you all next year on the start line!”
Three other Wreakies made the trip from Leicestershire up to Leeds: Brian S, Richard P, and Dan G report on their experience of the event:
“The English Cross Country Association Championships is a really well organised event. The race was a 3pm start so we had plenty of time to fuel up in readiness for the energy levels we were going to need. We had a short warm up then headed towards the start line 10 minutes before the start. Our club pen number was 241, which gives an indication of what it was like when c.2100 athletes start.
The gun went off and over 2000 runners thundered up the hill at a crazy pace; with little room to manoeuvre, you just have to go with the flow and avoid getting knocked over by runners barging past to make up places.
Throughout the first few miles there was a huge amount of changing positions with many people racing past me and myself overtaking a few runners slowing down after succumbing to the effects of the fast uphill start. After a few long climbs the race settled down and there were some long downhill stretches where it was possible for a few moments to enjoy the lovely views over Harewood House, the lake and surrounding countryside. After 6 miles there was a tough little hill to get over and then it was straight into a mad 800m sprint to the finish line, with everyone desperately trying to gain a few places.
This was one of the most enjoyable races we have competed in; a great day out with an amazing atmosphere, a challenging course and set in such a lovely place – just need a few more Wreakies to join us next time!”
Full results available here: https://www.englishcrosscountry.co.uk/news/saucony-english-national-xc-results-2019/
Inspired? Join Wreake Runners here Our next local cross country is at Bosworth Battlefield SUNDAY 3RD MARCH 2019 11AM.