Clem Dixon

Feb 18, 20172 min read

Club 10 Mile XC Champs

We have always found it harder to attract entries for the Club 10 than for the shorter races we host earlier in the season, and this was no exception with the field being just one quarter of the size of the record entry we had for the 7.5 in December. But those that came all enjoyed their runs in the woods on a surprisingly mild afternoon and there was a nice atmosphere back at the clubhouse afterwards (and in the King’s Head after that…).

Dean Lacy was mindful of having a half marathon the next day and ran most of the race alongside James MacDonald before doing just enough on the final lap to give him the win with James taking the silver medal and David Reader the bronze. Cambridge Harriers filled all of the first five places with the highest placed guest being Sam O’Connell of Kent AC. Yet again the first lady was Anoushka Johnson of Dartford Harriers.

In addition to the magnificent 90 year old trophy for winning the race Dean was also awarded the 125 year old Cottrell Cup which goes to the club member who competes in the most cross country races during the season compared with the season before. It usually goes to a new member or to one returning to the sport after an absence; Dean won it this year by virtue of running in 11 of the 14 qualifying races after having had the previous season wiped out by injury.

There were four Cambridge Harriers who competed in all three of the Joyden’s Wood races this season, a feat shared by Anoushka Johnson and Tony Durey of Dartford Harriers, of these the most successful was James MacDonald who won a complete set of medals: a gold, a silver and a bronze. We have not previously given out a prize for the best combined performance over the season but it is something that we are considering for next time – watch this space.

Results

Dean Lacy

Cambridge Harriers