National XC Championships Roundhay Park Leeds 27^th Feb 10

The majority of the team made the long journey north to Leeds in their rattling minibus shaken but not stirred by the big event the U15’s of Billy Mead and Brian Foulger were quickly into their race where a few minutes more warm up would have assisted in this fast paced race. They battled well to finish 216 and 247 respectively of a 387 finishing field. The determination on both the lads faces coming up the notorious hill 66 was great. We think Billy was thinking of his Bargain Bucket KFC that focussed his mind. These two have had a great season fighting injury and hunger! And it isn’t over yet they both represent Bedfordshire schools in the schools championships in Manchester on 20^th Mar.

Experiencing a change of running time, the other juniors running didn’t get away until late afternoon with coaches worrying about pre race eating and whether the lads would tire themselves out running around enjoying the great atmosphere and seeing some of the best runners in the country compete. Excellent support from travelling parents, and an excellent spectator course provided plenty of photo opportunities (photos can be found on the LBAC website gallery).

Once underway in a mass start of just under 400 athletes the running order changed constantly but eventually settled to see Lloyd Milliken in his new spikes and the youngest of the four leading them round the majority of the course only to be piped at the post by Jordan Clay who has also found his form of late, closely followed by Joe McGarry and the reliable Jake Irvine completing the team. This is the largest race these four have taken part in and they grow in experience and stature with a fantastic team result of 29^th out of the 40 teams in this U13 category, finishing 181, 191,222,293 out of 374 finishers. This and a great season of running by all the junior section of the club has put LBAC back on the map.

Over to the senior women’s race and competing against the likes of Steph Twell, Fiona Towell LBAC National Champion ran well to achieve her target of beating more runners than at the Southern Championships which she more than doubled well done Fi.

The Senior Men’s race plagued by injury failed to get a team out but the individuals that turned up and ran said they enjoyed it especially Hill 66 for the 3^rd time! Nick Clay led them home (625) followed closely by Joby Hobbs (710) with a “delighted” Chris Norman (799) in 3^rd looking forward to his night out in Leeds. Fred Watt (1268) having rested at the Bedfordshire county champs last week, was back on an adult size course and knew it at the end. Jon Hull (1365) our anchor man this time out was glad he had made the journey and notched up his first national event. Other LBAC runner but running for his first claim club Simon Coombes had an excellent race placed 256 out of 1428 finishers. Support from the ever-present Richard Inchley was well received.

For those that haven’t experienced a National championship it is something to put on your to do list the atmosphere, organisation and not raining until the event finished was great and I recommend you all have a go. Nick (Hon sec.)