Sinai XC

Sunday January 4th saw the 3rd round of the Derby Runner Cross Country League.  Ran on a seasonably cold, frosty and foggy morning a 36 strong Ivanhoe team took on the challenge of Sinai Park, Burton upon Trent. The one lap course is considered a real toughie on the race circuit. A grassy up hill start is only the beginning of the 5 miles of undulating racing, including trails, woods, mud and two more killer hills, the latter having runners almost crawling to the top.

First home for the men’s team was Ramzi Sidani (32nd, 34.05) followed by Gerard Eivors (83rd,36.42) and Simon Terry (96th,37.15). Having a great run next were Nick Rowles (111th, 38.12) and James Cox (121st, 38.43). Making a welcome return to cross-country was Dave Allery (162nd, 41.13). Andy Jeyes (183, 42.28) and Kev Wright (188th, 42.55) completed the scoring for the men.

Martin Yeomans (199, 43.30) headed the rest of the squad home with Andy Lindley (200th, 43.32) hot on his heels. Next came ultra runner Tim Sturla (220th, 45.18), followed by Jonathon Shaw (236th, 47.04), Damon Bland (240th, 47.12), Chairman Kev Sanders (261st, 49.46), Keith Baron (262nd, 50.13) Duncan Ross making his XC debut (277th, 52.33) and John Lewis (306th, 62.14).

Brining the ladies home was Becca Hallam (6th, 38.06), with Sarah Terry (13th, 41.36), Zoe Allery (19th, 42.42) and Rosie Dear (29th, 44.52) making up the scores for the ladies.  Karen Bell suffered shoe problems but finished brilliantly (31st, 45.19) followed by Ingrid Redmond (46th, 48.03), all round good egg Amanda Bradbury (59th, 49.46) and Carolyn Osborne (78th, 52.43). Captain Teresa Talbott was next (84th, 53.42) ahead of Fiona McKean (92nd, 54.36) and Ruth Enion (96th, 55.03). Also suffering shoe trouble was Allie Sturla (99th, 55.38). Enjoying the cold weather Heather Swan was the next Ivanhoe finisher, (105th, 56.23) followed by Ironwoman Trish McPherson (111st, 56.53). Enjoying her first XC race was Natasha Quick (127th, 59.42), with Mo Danvers (133rd, 60.43) and Katie Poole (137th, 61.03) next. Last but by no means least were XC newbies Bev Trilloe (142nd) and Helen Horn (143rd) finishing together (62.05)

Overall results saw the ladies finish in a fantastic 2nd   place to Barrow in division 1. Men were placed 14th out of 21 teams. Combined scoring saw Ivanhoe placed 13th out of 19 combined teams.

The next race is Sunday January 18th at Bradgate Park. A new race for everyone.

Written by Teresa Talbott, Ivanhoe Ladies Cross Country Captain and Tea Lady Extraordinaire  

Written by Ruth Green - last updated on 06/01/2015