VAANE XC Championships

Darlington, Saturday, March 20, 2010

Nina Mason

The working week had seen sunshine and spring-like temperatures. There is sunshine and blue skies today as I write this. Saturday however dawned grey, complete with drizzle to be followed by heavier rain. I smell a cross-country.

The VAA-NE Cross-Country Championships was run from Branksome School, Darlington and saw six Striders enjoy the fine x-country weather, with the added bonus of plenty of mud thrown in for free.

After a discussion as to whether it was warm enough in the teeming rain for vests only, or maybe t- shirt required, or the again gloves instead…it was ladies off first. Fiona Shenton, Jan Young and I formed part of a (somewhat disappointing) field of fourteen—there was no room for hiding in this one—accompanied by the men’s V70 and V75. Fiona had a good run on the fast and a bit-too-flat 5.5K two-lap course, finishing fourth; with Jan and me in hot pursuit.

There was no let up in the rain for the men’s three-lap 8.8K race, and a bigger field was dominated by Brian Rushworth winning an impressive eighth championship. David led the Striders men home with a strong run, with Mike and Conrad close behind.

A soggy, mud-spattered and somewhat chilly group of competitors gathered in the school gym afterwards and saw Fiona and Jan collect medals for winning their age groups. Us ladies also won second team prize, all of which shows you gotta be in it to win it!

A mention must go to Mike’s carrot cake—so good it was worth having to give my shoes an extra scrub.

Results

Women
Pos Name Club Cat Pos Time
1 ANDERSON, Kirstie Tynedale Harriers F35 1 24:31
4 Fiona Shenton F50 1 26:46
8 Nina Mason F35 3 27:53
14 Jan Young F55 1 29:54

21 finishers.

Men
Pos Name Club Cat Pos Time
1 RUSHWORTH, Brian Sunderland Harriers M45 1 32:04
25 David Gibson M40 5 36:23
35 Mike Bennett M55 4 37:58
47 Conrad White M50 6 42:08

60 finishers.

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