Written by Susanne Dietrich
Fresh from the press:
The 2016 Surrey County Cross Country Championships at Denbies Vineyard, Dorking
After all the recent rain, the ground was absolutely soaked and slippery and, amazingly, managed to become even more slippery as the day wore on. Yet our athletes sighed, calmly screwed in the long spikes, and off they went.
In the U13 boys’ race, Mack Downey had what arguably was his best race of the season. He covered the 2.8km undulating course in 11:15min and 8th place. Olly Wilson followed suit in 10th place and 11:19. Jack Dickson with a strong sprint uphill into the finish secured 33rd place (11:56), Matteo Leforestier came 61st (13:07), Michael Webb-Bourne 80th (14:10) and Freddie Crosby 82nd (14:36). This effort brought the team a very nice 4th place – well done, lads!
In the U15 boys’ race (4.2km), Zak Wort showed that he has fully recovered from his fractured foot – one has to be patient and let injuries heal. A very convincing run brought him a satisfying 6th place (15.06). Sam Shaw had a strong run, too, finishing 12th (15:46). Likewise Ben Collier looked good, 35th place (16.49). Unfortunately Jorge Beltrao had to pull out after an asthma attack, and so we had to wait anxiously whether Charlie Jeffries who had never done a race like this before would finish and score. He did just that, and with his 70th place (20.26), the team finished 6th – well done to you all.
Many times in the past, Kathryn Bartle has shown that on the big stage, she can hold her nerve and perform. And again, she did so in the U15 girls’ race, finishing in 19.44min and 27th place. Annabel Hobday came 44th (20.59), Imogen Busa 48th (21.43), and sprinter Eleanor Bartle, who had kindly agreed to complete the team, came 50th (22.12). Good work, girls, your team came 7th.
And the best news last: U20 athlete Neil Wellard had an outstanding run, covering his 6.1km course in 21:38. This secured him the bronze medal! U20 Phoebe Law couldn’t quite run the Surreys as she had been called for GB duties at the Great Edinburgh XC International. She was 3rd for the GB team to score and a fantastic 6th overall! And the GB team won!
Well done to all our K&P young athletes, I hope you’ll agree that this was very worth the effort. If you think another long run would be good for you, then consider the Surrey League race next Saturday (girls will be on the Surrey Schools’ course in Reigate, U13-17 boys on Mitcham Common, U20 lads in Elmbridge). And then on the 23rd, it will be the Surrey Schools in good old Reigate. Good luck for these races!
Best wishes
Your young athletes’ XC TM Susanne Dietrich ( [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ](mailto:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
) , 02083997084)
PS. Sprinters/jumpers/throwers, your next comp will the Sportshall match on 24 January.
