Dunstable Cross Country 12th Jan 2014

Last time we ran at Dunstables chalk quarry XC course it was that foggy that you didn’t realise you were stood on the top of a cliff. This time however it was worth stopping at the top to take in the stunning views and to allow the heart to slow down.

We expected mud and we were not let down, it was also hard and frosty in places and sunny even, perfect XC weather.

31 of us ran, another fabulous turn-out, helped of course by Alan and his bus for which we are very grateful.

Here are some stats to bore you with details which for those who remember when Mick Clarke used to have to badger us to get 10 runners at these events shows how the club has developed.

51 club members took part in a XC race this series.

We had 151 entries in total so an average of 30 at each event.

21 members did 4 races

8 did all 5 races; Dave Whatton, Jon Dilworth, James Smith, Jo Smith, Elaine Palmer, Mary Sullivan, Jocelyn Granger and Mark Garrett.

We had lots of new runners taking part in XC for the first time and it was very pleasing to see some young bloods coming along. Well done to Simeon Howson, Sam Brown, Paige Pinkard, Carrick Baldwin and James Smith.

Results - Ladies
36 Beckie Hollowell
62 Elaine Palmer
68 Wendy Parker
69 Suzanne Baldwin
75 Jo Smith
77 Jocelyn Granger
92 Jo Cummings
97 Mary Sullivan
105 Kirsty Turner
108 Helen Blackburn
110 Carol Whatton
111 Keran Irving
119 Sally Garrett

Men
14 Tony Letts
20 Simeon Howson
51 Sam Brown
119 Peter Moor
124 James Smith
126 Mark Kennedy
137 Dave Whatton
145 Mark Garrett
155 Terry Begley
160 Darren Baldwin
161 Jonathon Panter
175 Michael Hollowell
209 Jon Dilworth
212 Richard Gent
219 Martin Andrews
230 Dave Blackburn
231 Jim McGowan
240 Tom Sullivan

In the team competitions we came 
9th men
11th ladies

11th in combined ( out of 13 teams)

Trophy wise we didn’t bother the engraver however there is so much more to running than winning and we would surely win the nicest bunch prize if there was one.

So therefore another fantastically successful season for Northampton Road Runners with just the sadness that we were missing our friend, inspiration, hero, and all round top gent, Mick.

Whenever you are struggling up some stupid muddy pig of a hill, when you could easily just pack it in listen and you will hear Mick cheering you on and encouraging you and convincing you that you can and will do it.