The Birmingham Cross Country League was run on Saturday 15th November at Newbold Comyn and hosted by Leamington c & AC. Division 1 & 2 Races are run together and then results extrapolated into each Division. Division 1 had the first three places occupied by Western Tempo athletes – Jacob Cann winning in 31.22, Peter Molloy in 2nd (31.27) and Dan James in 3rd (31.37). The Division 2 race had Loughborough University occupying the first four places headed by Blackburn Harriers Dexta Thompson (running for Loughborugh Uni) and 13th overall for the combined Division 1 & 2 Races – winning Division 2 in a time of 32.47 from Stephen Kerfoot in 2nd (33.14) and Benjamin Alexander in 3rd (33.42). Dexta had also been part of the Blackburn Harriers Silver Medal winning team at the National Cross Country Relays held in Mansfield on Saturday November 1st and this latest may well be presaging a return to the mud! (DIVISION 2 RESULTS) — (DIVISION 1 RESULTS)
Dexta Thompson (173)
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This years Preston 10 mile road race was run in decent weather on Sunday November 16th – two hundred and forty seven runners finishing the race – won by Bolton’s Luke Edwards in 51.08 followed by Vale Royal’s Chris Williams in 2nd (52.06) and Blackburn Harriers Ryusei Maruyana in 3rd (52.42). Ryusei led the Harriers athletes home with V50 Stephen Hall in 31st spot, 2nd V50 in a time of 59.54 followed by Chris Davies in 37th place and 5th V45 with a time of 60. 28 and Mark Almond running 66.25 in 71st spot and 3rd V55. (PRESTON RESULTS)
Stephen Hall (118)
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Run Bolton Abbey is a popular trail running event where hundreds of runners take part in various distances in the stunning scenery of Bolton Abbey Estate, raising much-needed funds for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice. Sunday November 9th was the day of the race – and if you are Mark Taylor – one of Blackburn Harriers Endurance Coaches and recently returned from a very severe injury revolving around yet another broken bone – you go and run a half-marathon as your come back race. Skipton’s Julian Hood won the race in a time of 1hr 33.57 as Mark had an impressive return to racing, running 2hrs o1.15 for the 13.1 mile trail course. (BOLTON ABBEY RESULTS)
Mark Taylor – back after busting up his knee
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The Biathlon–Triathlete Laser Run Championship took place over the 5th to 9th November and described as great fun by Blackburn Harriers Anton Krige. Lyra Krige in the U17 Women’s events and Anton Krige in the Vet 50 age categories, competed in the 2025 European BTLR Championship – Sarah Krige also qualifiying, but having to withdraw at the last moment because of surgery. Lyra was in a field of 28 competitors – all U17 Women – and finished in 8th place overall and 2nd British athlete home – posting a time of 9.22.48 in the individual event for the 800m run followed by a 200m sea swim and rounded off with another 800m run. Anton competed in a smaller field of eleven athletes – all of whom were 50yr + and came home in 4th spot, recording a combined time of 7.58.85 for the event, comprising an 800m run, followed by 100m swim and topped off with another 800m run. In the team events, Lyra by finishing 2nd counter was part of the Silver Medal winning team whilst Anton also won the Silver Medal in the Mixed Relays team placings.
Lyra at Team Silver Medal Presentation
Anton at Team Silver Medal Presentation
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