Blackburn Harriers Helen Leigh has developed a reputation for being a very tough athlete as well as being a very good one. After finishing 3rd in the Northern Police League which included PSUK Championships in February and putting her on the Podium in the National Championships, she was selected to compete for GB in the European Police Cross Country Championships held at Princethorpe College on March 23rd.

(Helen Leigh No. 3)

Full Results HERE

All Helen’s training has been geared to Ultra and Mountain Racing so an 8km cross country race might be considered something of a ‘warm up’ for her. She finished in 21st place in a time of 32.15 and was part of the GB Squad that took the Team Silver medal on the day behind eventual winners Germany. She told the Club the day after the Race “I was so chuffed to be picked for the European Police Cross Country Championships after a podium finish at the nationals police xc. I didn’t have the best prep over the last few weeks with a few niggles still not sorted out, but I went determined to be an asset to the team and to give a solid performance. The race course was definitely not suited to me being dry, grassy and not too hilly, but the 8km played to my endurance and I was pleased to finish in 21st with a time of 32.15. I am also proud to have been part of the ladies team that took home silver behind Germany with France in 3rd. Not too shabby for a long distance runner! The whole experience was amazing staying in a lovely hotel with all the international athletes and fantastic organisation. It’s definitely given me a taste of competing at a whole different level and an even greater hunger for the dream I’m chasing”

♦