19/02/2023 - Penultimate XC of the season!

Race results


Not only is James a week away from completing his first season as XC captain, he’s took time out to bring you today’s run report for last weekends superb event. Take it away JC!

Last Sunday marked the inaugural Ravenstone XC in the Derby Runner league, boasting a stunning 2 lap course starting at our very own Nancy Bennion’s farm and around the scenic Jubilee Wood. Course conditions were ideal for some competitive times for all 361 competing runners.

Having been approached only two weeks prior to help, we were able to provide over half the marshals led by Heather Swan, timekeepers, carpark attendants, tail walkers and the hare for the junior race, which fair to say may live in Ramzi’s nightmares after being chased by a group of speedy youngsters. It was great to see such support and team spirit especially at short notice and with no mishaps to report.

As a club, we were 3rd overall, the women finishing 2nd and the men in 2rd. Mark Parker led the way first back for the club in 13th position, followed by Karl Wideman swiftly trailed by hare Sidani and another solid finish for Paul Woods. Next up was Ian Bolton, Paul Codd, me!, Richard Martin, Andrew Stanley, Jordan Cope, Patrick Horn, James Ogilvie, second claimer Mark Harriott, Andrew Bottrill, Adrian Fowler, Mark Bradford, Colin Hope, Richard Hope, Kev Laz, Mark Hoult, Andy Cole, Paul Averillo, first timer Tom Ball, Martin Yeomans, Matt Joyce, Phil Cooling, Roger Western, Louis Barnes, first XC this season for Tim Sturla & Keith Baron.

The ladies outshone with great performances, Emily Wideman was up first in 12th, second back was Emily Partridge and Amelia Monaghan. Ladies XC Captain Fiona Betts finished 32, securing 2nd in her age category, followed by Lindsay Tilbury, Gemma Shaw, Jill Singleton (1st in age category), Jenny Hope & first timer Lily Smith. We also saw two amazing guest appearances, Ogilvie’s daughter Laura was first lady and her boyfriend Chris Beddington in 4th. We reckon they’ll be tempted to join when they hear of next year’s Ravenstone XC fully hosted by Ivanhoe; a rumoured beer tent and festival in talks with the landowners. Glastonbury watch this space!

Written by Emily Partridge - last updated on 27/02/2023