Running log

Over 4,000 runners descended on a muddy Roundhay Park in Leeds for the National Cross-Country Championships.

For top local athletes, it was an opportunity to pit their ability against the country’s best. For members of smaller clubs, it was all about enjoying the atmosphere and completing the challenging course.

A finish in the top 100 counted as a great achievement, given the quality of the fields.

Gemma Keir of Leeds City (27th), Rebecca Coope of Pudsey & Bramley (59th) and Tom Blanchard of Skipton (16th) did just that in the under-13 races.

James Hall of Wharfedale (95th) was one of the first locals back in the under-15 section.

In the girls’ race, Skyrac’s youngsters were an excellent 27th in the team standings, with Hannah Brown (75th) and Molly Keefe (122nd) starring.

But they were outmatched by the Spenborough AC team (21st) led by Beth Ellis (46th) and Emma Wilkinson (124th).

Ben Marriott (Bingley Harriers) was an impressive 33rd in the under-17 race, while Alex Bell (Pudsey & Bramley) was 27th among the girls.

In the junior (under-20) races, Bingley’s Thomas Crowley was 39th and Leeds-Bradford triathlete Lois Rosindale came home 14th.

The senior ladies’ race saw international athlete Steph Twell (Aldershot) lead the field home, with Bingley’s Victoria Wilkinson managing a very competitive fifth.

Team-mates Mary Wilkinson (35th) and Pauline Munro (75th) helped Bingley to 11th spot in the team event. Not far behind were Helen Glover (Keighley AC) in 81st and Karen Pickles (Pudsey Pacers) in 85th.

The senior men’s race was a three-lap, 7.5-mile slog, taking in the notorious ‘Hill 60’ each round.

Leeds City could not make their numbers count, despite James Walsh and Alan Buckley managing top-ten finishes, as Aldershot took the team prize.

Pudsey & Bramley’s John Heneghan (44th) and Skipton’s Joe Mercer (77th) did well in a field of over 1,400.

Bragging rights for local clubs went to Bingley (20th team), ahead of Keighley & Craven (41st), Pudsey Pacers (49th), Otley (58th), Spenborough (79th), Ilkley (82nd) and Baildon (95th).