In continued unseasonably warm conditions for cross country racing, a small team of our veteran ladies competed at the Surrey Masters Championships on Saturday 20 th October. The championship is held in Richmond Park over a shorter 3.85 mile 2 lap undulating course. The ladies race is combined with the mens V60 race – this year comprising a field of 138 athletes.

The whole team raced well and finished closely together - with Rachel Brookes first home in 53 rd place (28:07) for the W35 team. Debbie Raymond and Liz Richardson were not far behind after, trading positions a couple of times during the race, with Debbie finishing in 29:15 (for 72 nd place) and Liz in 79 th place with a time of 29:34. Despite all 3 now being in the W40 category and racing against many W35 ladies, the team raced competitively in a very close race and were unlucky to finish in 4 th place in the W35 team race (just outside of the medals!). Nicky Atkins also had a great race in the W50 category to finish in 84 th place overall in a time of 29:58. Well done ladies – this bodes well for the rest of the season!