20/11/2022 - Holly Hayes heroics.

Race results


Just like that, another cross-country season begins, with Hermitage Harriers hosting the first race at Holly Hayes. A fantastic spirit filled the air, runners cheered in by those finishing ahead, everyone lending a hand with the fancy new gazebo, and the treats were especially good; I hear Saoirse’s gingerbread medals were a fan favourite.

Both the mixed, mens, and ladies teams battle it out in league one. For the mixed team; it’s first six males and first three females to count, for the men; it’s first eight, and for the ladies; it’s first four, with every other of our all important finishers doing everything in their power to push other teams further down the rankings.

For the blokes, leading the charge was Paul Woods (P29), tough legs of the back of his multiple marathon efforts. Karl Wideman has found some fine form and was next in (P37) and chasing him down for 40th was Paul Codd. Patrick Horn had a strong run for P74, Captain Coxy was fourth for the team (P41) and James Ogilvie sneaked into the top 100. Coach Louis Barnes did his bit despite injury comeback battles (P111) and Adrian Fowler made his XC debut in P119 completing our eight scorers.

Mark Bradford, Andy Hough and Richard Hope finished in quick succession (P122, 123 and 128), followed by Paul Averillo (P154). Enjoying his first XC in a long time without captaincy duties, Martin Yeomans finished 171st with Roger Western hot on his heels for P176.

Emily Wideman ran strong for 20th position and our first female through the funnel, with captain Fiona Betts and secretary Amelia Monaghan both making the top 30. Cath Watkins completed our four team scorers in P39.

Three more ladies railed home to make the top 100, kudos for their efforts going to Lindsay Tilbury, Jill Singleton and Sarah Malone. Jenny Hope wore blue for the second time this year for in 111th, and three of the team we know to love the muddy fun finished the job for Ivanhoe, well done to Teresa Talbott, Amanda Bradbury and Grania Towle.

Going into the second race of the season (this very Sunday, 27th at Bagworth Heath) the mixed team are in 4th, the men’s team also in 4th, and the ladies team take 5th. Hope to see you there?

Written by Emily Partridge - last updated on 25/11/2022