CC season ending in style for Jess Burgess

Jess Burgess continued an excellent season in fine style on Saturday. Representing Essex in the U20 Inter Counties Championships, she finished 18th of 143 finishers and helped Essex to the gold team medals as they closed their four scorers in 21.

This was Jess's first season as an U20 and she has pursued her season's objectives with great determination. Back in November she opted for a guest appearance in the Essex League race at Chelmsford in order to catch Essex team manager Phil Oatham's eye. Perhaps this was being over-cautious, since Oatham had appreciated Jess's ability the previous season when she finished 16th in the Inter Counties U17 race. However, in finishing 3rd Jess ensured that she could not be overlooked.

In January, Jess was 3rd in the Essex U20 Championships, though not entirely happy with her run. She went on to finish a fine 12th in the South of England Champs at Brighton, and then notched 28th in the National Champs at Parliament Hill. All very consistent, good quality running. But her run at Cofton Park, Birmingham, on Saturday, which had been her main season's goal, topped the lot. The Inter Counties Championships incorporated the World Trials so the very best ensure they are there. Next year Jess will be hoping to get even closer to a Great Britain vest.

Coached by former WGEL sprinter Ayo Falola, Jess trains with a group of the club's male distance runners on a Tuesday night, where her gutsy, aggressive attitude has won her the respect of all.

Essex Team Manager Phil Oatham says of Jess, "Jess has been one of Essex's most consistent performers in the major XC Championships over the past 3 seasons. She has been a member of 2 gold medal winning u20 team performances at the UK Inter Counties, plus a silver medal team performance at this event at u17. I've always found Jess to be a reliable athlete who is always keen to know what she has to do for county selection. One more year of having her available in the U20 section is major bonus for me."

In the recent past, three members of the Sparke family - Jess, Kat and Ronnie - all represented Great Britain in the World Cross Country Championships while with WGEL, and Jess Burgess will be attempting to emulate their achievements.

One race remains in Jess's cross country season - this weekend's English Schools CC.