Thirteen Blackburn Harriers in the different Age Groups were selected to compete for Lancashire at this years Inter-County Cross Country Championships in Birmingham.
Full Results HERE
Jamie Teare and Amy Davies were selected in the U13 Teams, Maddie Elliott, Megan Clarkson and Hannah Cookson in the U15’s, Liz Greenwood and Grace Handley in the U17’s, Katie Buckingham in the U20’s, Jack Hindle, Joe Campbell and Joseph Howe in the U20’s, Helen Leigh and Matt Nuttall in the Seniors.
Jamie had a fine run finishing as 3rd counter for the Team in 132nd place (13.14) which is a big improvement after he finished in 8th qualifying place at the County Champs. Amy finished 147th (14.31) in the girls Race and said “it was the toughest Race she had ever done”.
In the U15 Girls Race Maddie was 2nd counter in 134th spot (21.03) and said “It was really good to take part in such a big event. It was a great experience to run against some other amazing runners and although the course was hard, I really enjoyed running it”, Megan came in 198th (21.48) and Hannah 230th (22.35) commenting “The course was something new all together and even though I found it challenging I enjoyed every moment of it”.
Grace and Liz took 2nd and 3rd counting places for the U17 Women’s Team which finished 9th overall – Grace in 22.10 (32nd) and Liz in a time of 22.52 (74th). Grace told the Club after the Race that “The course had completely changed from last year as I ran a total of 11 hills in my race but luckily I have done a lot of hill training this season so didn’t really suffer due to this. Despite the fact the course was harder I really enjoyed it as I think it’s one of few races I’ve ran this season that I’ve felt strong throughout and ran at a consistent pace. Can’t wait for track season now to see if I can carry on my good form”.
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In the U20 Men’s Race finishing 72nd in the 186 strong field (25.55) Jack had what he described as “one of my best XC runs of the season! Really enjoyed the course and happy to have got some good form for the back end of the season”. Joe Howe took 151st place in 28.18 and Joe Campbell just behind in 157th (28.34) who got a call up spot just a week before the event said “Really enjoyed racing for Lancashire for the first time, great event with a great atmosphere. Hopefully I’ll be back again next year”.
In the U20 Women’s Katie Buckingham finished 93rd (26.29) and was delighted with the day saying “I really enjoyed running for Lancashire again, it was a tough course with a fast start… but that’s what’s expected of a national race, despite this I felt I finished uncharacteristicly strong for me! It was great to see all the other harriers who have worked hard all winter get to run for lancs, particularly the athlete’s which haven’t run at inters before. All in all a good day out”.
In the Seniors, Matt Nuttall was part of the Lancashire Team that finished 14th overall out of the 31 County Teams entered.He came in 167th (39.48) whilst in the Senior Women’s Race featuring 27 County Teams with Lancashire 7th, Helen Leigh took the 5th counting spot in 93rd (28.51) and said that she “Had a tough run, after getting a great start but probably overcooking it on the first lap I just felt like lead for the rest and lost a lot of places. Was great to be in a lancs vest in the sunshine though. On to the next..”
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