Caroline Robertson reports
It was a bright, autumnal day for the National XC Relays in Mansfield. With a stacked field including Olympians and prior champions, our ten brilliant MACs took on the challenge of toeing the line alongside them. Some were veterans of the event, others having a go for the first time and all did the club proud. Extra shout out to those juggling children and changing plans in order to turn out. The event had a great atmosphere helped along by the mild conditions making it a fab day out for runners and spectators alike.
Our women were represented by two teams of 3 each running a 3k lap of Berry Hill Park on a new course for this year. Cherry and Lucy M got their elbows out and battled for position against the young guns on the first leg. They handed over to Alaina and Vicki C who both put in a super shift and really pushed themselves. Lisa J, who was a fairly last minute replacement member of the team, brought her team home and Jill gave it her all to do the same for hers.
The gentleman ran in teams of 4 each running 5k on two laps of a 2.5km course. Peter W went first and was very pleased to have bettered his time from last year by 30 seconds – must have been the go faster calf sleeves! He handed over to fairly new member Andrew D who fearlessly threw himself into the event. Ian P put all the strength he has built up on the fells this season to good use and gave everything on the 3rd leg. With the light fading Geoff C, who was robbed of a changeover with Andrew and forced into a mass start, fully emptied the tank with a smashing run improving on his time from last year by over a minute and got a heroes welcome back at the finish from his club mates. The most challenging part of his day was a slightly tense exchange with an overzealous official rather than the run itself!
It was great to see everyone supporting each other, giving it their best and enjoying the experience. We even managed to get the tent back in the bag!
A very successful day, well ran everyone!
Cherry, Alaina and Lisa J – 75th/122
Lucy M, Vicki C, Jill – 103rd/122
Peter W, Andrew, Ian P, Geoff – 127th/172
