Colin Davenport reports on the North Mids XC Champs
The North Midlands Cross County Championship for the 24/25 season concluded on Saturday with the final round of races at Bulwell Park. The championship is a well run, low key affair which Matlock have supported for a number of decades now, and I was pleased to finally manage a complete series of races this year without contracting ‘flu / Covid / herniating myself.
Race one took place in the sunshine at Markeaton Park back in October. To the backdrop of a circus tent and frenetic ‘frolf’ action, Rosie Cartwright took part in the U11 girls race and was swiftly followed by her brother Frank Cartwright and Jago Reynolds for the U13 boys. Jacob Jones and Pasco Reynolds fought it out in the U17 boys, before the seniors took to the start line. Lucy Taylor and Lisa Jones both put up a good show in the ladies race, and were then followed by myself, Hugo Reynolds and Geoff Cooper in the men’s event.
Representation took a dip for the next outing down in Corby. Some train mishaps left Becky Curtis-Hall and myself as the sole senior representatives. For the December meet at Shipley Park the weather got bleaker and races all over the country suffered cancellations, but Arthur Collis gamely turned out for a bash around the U15 boys course. For me, this was a good sighter for the upcoming County championships on the same course, although they had rather disappointingly taped off the pothole on the top field by the time that particular race came about.
That left Bulwell Park in January. -56.9oC temperatures overnight (I really must fact check that Daily Express headline…) left the usually damp surroundings coated in a rock hard layer of ice, which only broke up in a few places after the progression of hundreds of runners. Arthur Collis was back for more in the U15 race, and Dean Taylor joined me in the senior category.
Having completed all four races to get a placing, I ended the season in 10th place overall. A mention to for 2nd claimers / former alumni Hayley Gill and Lottie Riddle, who contributed to the success of Mansfield Harriers ladies teams coming 2nd and 1st place in the Senior and Masters category respectively. Hayley also bagged 2nd place overall in the ladies competition, behind Elin Griffiths of the University of Nottingham. The men’s overall winner was Nathan Bunting of ‘PANVAC’, whoever they are, with Mansfield taking both the senior and masters titles in the men’s competition.
Matlock put teams out for the North Midlands every year, and I can thoroughly recommend them. There’s even the opportunity to double up with the BDL on some weekends if you don’t find yourself tied up on the Sunday – what a joyous combination! The series gives a good opportunity for youngsters to race against their peers on some decent cross country courses, so please do your bit to spread the word.