Great Racing at Crossag's

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.