UPDATE: McCains Inter Counties XC Championships

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UPDATE: McCains Inter Counties XC Championships – Cofton Park, Birmingham

On January 5th, Janet Rashleigh, Nathan Townsend and Martyn Bell were selected for the Lancashire XC team and on March 9th competed at Cofton Park (Longbridge, SW Birmingham) at the Inter Counties XC Championships. This championship also incorporated the final McCain UK Cross Challenge which consists of five cross country fixtures across the UK throughout the autumn/winter season – they are of the highest calibre XC races in the UK and certainly worth our aspiring youngsters and seniors to have the confidence and motivation to compete in. They attract the very best in each age category.

This is an event that our very own Paul Dugdale won in 1991 and just shows the calibre of Paul in his heyday. Further information on the winners in each age category can be found on the link below.

http://www.britishathletics.org.uk/media/news/march-2013/09-03-13-world-cross-trials/

Well its not often a near 45 and a 52 year old gets selected for the Lancashire cross country team – Janet Rashleigh who will be 52 on the 14th March, competed in style showing the youngsters how to do it and finishing the 8km course in 157th position. Martyn finished a credible 128th position for the 12km but caused some confusion as the course was actually 6.59 miles so nearly 1 mile short !

These races can always be slightly frustrating as your “pen position” plays an important role in how the first 3-4 miles go with lots of energy and time lost working through a significant amount of runners. The course was extremely undulating and muddy (the Mid lancs XC league has certainly provided some useful exposure to muddy conditions).

The mens team had quite a number of changes last minute, most noteably Keith Gerrard (the winner at the National several weeks ago) who pulled out 4 days before to concentrate on a 10k race. That said, the Lancashire mens team still went on to retain a “gold” medal as the strongest 9 man county team, demonstrating the depth and quality that exists in the county.

Picture: Lancashire won gold as the fastest “9 man” county team in the UK.

Nathan Townsend had his call up for Lancashire Counties. The second vest for NATHAN in as many years. Pleased with his result he said the course was tough, muddy and fast, however pleased to be representing the club at county level.

Picture: Nathan and the team.