CHAMPIONSHIP XC MEDAL HAUL FOR MASTERS JJs!
Four JJs set off for the south of the region, Darlington, and a new course for the North East XC championships. A windy but dry day greeted them on a typical championship course of a fast flat course with some small inclines and drops. The women went first and Sarah Wann was our only representative. Sarah took the race in her stride covering the 6km course in a decent 33:07, a very different distance to what Sarah normally does. Sarah brought home the gold medal in the W45 age group and is North East XC champion for 2023.
The men went off next with Simon Wells going out fast, and for once holding that pace. Cliff Veitch and Matty Down gave chase but couldn’t get back on equal terms with Simon over the four laps and 8km of the race. Simon was first JJ home, something that he hasn’t done for a long while with Cliff coming home in the next position and Matty two places down on Cliff. A great run from the three saw them take the bronze medal in the M45-54 category, with Cliff and Matty having to race in the younger age group to ensure the JJ men completed a team.
A great day of racing with some medals to bring home. The British Masters Championship is being held in our region for the first time in a long while and it would be good to have a good entry of our Over 35 year runners. As shown yesterday, medals can be won and a British Medal would be a good prize. The race is at the Rising Sun Park on the 18th March and entries can be done here https://www.nemaa.co.uk/bmafxc2023.html
Women’s Race
14th Sarah Wann 33:07 1st W45
Men’s Race
34th Simon Wells 39:56 7th M50
35th Cliff Veitch 40:17 9th M55
36th Matty Down 40:42 10th M55
Team Race – M45-54
1st Houghton Harriers 1:50:41
2nd Crook & District AC 1:52:49
3rd Jesmond Joggers 2:00:55