Last weekend saw a load of running in mud across the County. First off, on Saturday saw the Leicestershire & Rutland County Athletics Association Cross Country Championships (LRAA) held at Cosby. The course was as flat as a pancake, by the time I ran at 14:15 many sections were very muddy, just how we like it!
Hinckley Men’s Senior team came 3rd and included George Birt, Matt Johnson, Kevin Higham, Jonathan Strong, Paul Ashby and Andy Lauder. In the absence of a small trophy I think a pint at the upcoming presentation night is in order!
Ladies Senior team came 4th and included Katy Grainger, Sarah Garford, Jenny Green, Jo Martin and Celine Guery.
In addition to the Seniors, two juniors competed on their own in their individual categories. Both did very well:
Carys O’Reilly was 14th in the Under 13 girls
Bethan Padbury was 10th in the Under 15 girls
For more information about the championships on the LRAA website click here. For the results, click here.
Well done everyone!
On Sunday, the 3rd cross country race in the Derby Runner League, held at Sinai Park, took place.
Many of those competing on Sunday did so after taking part in the race the previous day, maybe they hadn’t had enough mud.
A foggy, very cold (even I put gloves on!) and hilly course (hands on knees walking job!) saw a stark contrast to the previous days race.
Men came 8th, dropping us down from 4th to 6th in the league . Thanks for everyone who ran yesterday and in previous cross country races. It would be great to get more men out next time.
A bigger turnout could help us get back to 4th rather than slip further down. We had 8 men running for the team. However, everyone running can help to push down the results of other clubs runners who might count. So even if you are not in the first 8 back for Hinckley you are still contributing. And you never know what might happen on the day, a great race and you might come higher up than you think. Equally others can have a bad race and come lower than normal. Happens to all of us.
Many people enjoy the variety of off road running. It can also be a good strength workout too. Everyone is welcome, just wear a club vest and bring £3 and a smile!
Ladies came 4th and are still 2nd in the league.
Overall the team came 7th, dropping us to 5th in the league.
Thanks and well done everyone who came to either or both events. Next cross country is Sunday 18th January 2015 at 11am (juniors at 10:15) at Bradgate Park (a fantastic place to run!). If anyone needs any more information just ask me, Steve Hatcher, or anyone else who looks like they might know!
Jonathan Strong
Men’s Captain