The Crossag's course again proved a real test and one on which a number of athletes excelled.
It was interesting to see the Astin Sisters racing against each other over the same distance. Both ran well with Gemma coming out on top. The younger age groups saw some good racing with wins for Danielle Barton, Jamie Garrett, Rebecca Nathan, Will Morris, Alice Ashe, Jack Garrett, Sarah and Gemm, and Ryan Fairclough.
The short course race was very competitive with a tie between Conor Delanbaque and Michael Haslett.
The ladies race saw another fine run from Gail Griffiths, with Bridget Kaneen taking second ahead of Ann Cain who in turn only just got the better of Betahny Clague.
The men's race saw some fine running from John Halligan who won without feeling on the best of form. Ed Gumbley and Darren Gray had a fine battle for second place which Ed just won. Both imporving dramatically on the first race at Noble's Park. Nigel's run in 4th. was great bearing in mind his run last weekend in the half marathon. Gianni, Tony and Andy were all quite close and showed the strength in depth in the senior races in the league at present. It was nice to see Tony and Andy both back in XC action. (See manxathletics forum for details of positions, times etc.).
Dave Newton and Phil Cain had a great battle in the over 50 race with only 7 seconds between them at the end. Peter Cooper was the first of the Vet 55s ahead of Les Brown and Alan Pilling.
All in all it was a great race with battles all the way through.
The course was as dry as I have seen it in however long I've been running on it!!! I would imagine it will be much wetter/muddier for the champs in January. Also the course will probably be longer for the seniors to be nearer to the championship distances of around 10km or further.
The next race at Glen Lough in December is already a mouthwatering affair bearing in mind there are a few faces to add wo were not running today like Kevin Loundes and possibly Simon Skillicorn, Mike Garrett and in the vets Murray Lambden.
By the way yesterday in the Gateshead XC Keith Gerrard was 16th. in the men's race and 2nd. under 23 section. He is quite pleased with his run.
Also the details for the Lancs XC Champs. trip are listed on the athletics forum and will hpefully be on websites in the week.
Sunday 11 November 2007
Tuesday 6 November 2007
Crossag's is this Sunday
Yes the next race in the Manx Gas season is on Sunday. It should be the usual start times etc. so around 1.30pm to report and 2pm for the under 9s followed by under 11 races.The older age groups then follow. Now I cannot be certain this will be the programme but it was what the IOM AA tried to ensure a few years ago. I guess if there are any changes we will find out via the Manx Independent on Thursday.
The venue entrance is between the two sites of Ramsey Grammar School. NAC usually place a sign at the end of the lane on the TT course so you should be able to identify the correct lane quite easily. The course is on the farm/campsite at the end of the lane. There is a fair amount of parking but you would be advised to get there early and share lifts to ensure all get a park. The venue has changing and toilet facilities and NAC usually put on some refreshments - hot tea etc.
I hope you've done some hill work ready for the Crossag's farm course. It is one of the more traditional courses on the Manx gas circuit. There are some fast flat sections - although these will be muddy if it rains between now and Sunday. There is a good Hill and a fast/fairly steep down hill section also. The bulk of the course is on agricultural land with the added feature of at least one fence/stile to negotiate!!! There is some uneven ground as you would expect on any XC course so competitors need to keep their wits about them especially on the down hill sections.
All in all it should prove a great test for all who decide to give it a go.
Sorry not to add to this blog for a while (excuses time) - loads on at work and then away over half term hols. Hopefully will keep up with posts a little more regulalrly from now on.
The venue entrance is between the two sites of Ramsey Grammar School. NAC usually place a sign at the end of the lane on the TT course so you should be able to identify the correct lane quite easily. The course is on the farm/campsite at the end of the lane. There is a fair amount of parking but you would be advised to get there early and share lifts to ensure all get a park. The venue has changing and toilet facilities and NAC usually put on some refreshments - hot tea etc.
I hope you've done some hill work ready for the Crossag's farm course. It is one of the more traditional courses on the Manx gas circuit. There are some fast flat sections - although these will be muddy if it rains between now and Sunday. There is a good Hill and a fast/fairly steep down hill section also. The bulk of the course is on agricultural land with the added feature of at least one fence/stile to negotiate!!! There is some uneven ground as you would expect on any XC course so competitors need to keep their wits about them especially on the down hill sections.
All in all it should prove a great test for all who decide to give it a go.
Sorry not to add to this blog for a while (excuses time) - loads on at work and then away over half term hols. Hopefully will keep up with posts a little more regulalrly from now on.
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