English Schools XC Champs, Wollaton Hall, Nottingham
Six of our young athletes were selected to represent Essex/Hertfordshire at this prestigious event. Each race had 360 starters from 46 counties across England. Rain in the previous week had left stretches of the park muddy in places. To reach these championships you have to be in the top 8 in your county to be selected.
Junior Boys (Year 8 and 9) 4.2k
A year ago Luka Norden finished 32nd in the Year 8 Essex Schools XC. A year on in these championships only one of those athletes was ahead of him this time. At the end of the first lap Luka was in the 30s, with Harry Stockill around the 100 mark from the 360 odd field. Both boys gave it everything and although they slipped places on the second lap, one cannot fault their commitment to have a real go in these championships. Luka placed 54th, third home for Essex. Their leading athlete, George Watkins, an outstanding year 8 athlete, was 17th. Harry placed 112th, 7th home for the county. Both boys came away with awards as they won the Stedmen Trophy (Best County for 8 scorers).
Junior Girls Year 8 and 9 3.5K
After being selected for Hertfordshire after missing their schools champs due to county swimming, Jasmine Hall was given a “wild card”. She was selected after her excellent 19th place in the Southern U13 XC. Unfortunately this put her to the back of the pen. Jasmine ran the race of her life to place 56th, leading her county home, and there were only two Essex runners ahead of her as well. One wonders if the race had been a couple of hundred metres further she could have ended up in the top 20. Bethan-Rose Davies also ran for Essex. She had recorded a scintillating 18 mins 05 secs parkrun the previous weekend at the Raphael (Romford) 5k and was in good spirits. At the end of the first lap Bethan was inside the top 25 and looked OK. Unfortunately the mud and slopes got the better of her but Bethan gave everything to place 146th, 7th scorer for Essex. Bethan, like the boys, picked up the Lockhurst Lane (Best County for 8 scorers) award.
Senior Girls Year 12 and 13 4.5k
This was to be Kezia’s 4th English Schools XC in a row. Unfortunately for poor Kezia she picked up a foot injury soon after the start and although showing bravery to finish she hobbled over the line in 238th. She still put nearly 100 other runners behind her. We hope Kezia recovers quickly from the injury in time for the track season.
Senior Boys Year 12 and 13 7K
Nathan Wright got selected for his second English Schools and again, like the boys, had a real go. He was around the 100 mark at halfway but stuck to the task on the second half of the course although falling back to 173rd, much higher then last year at Tonbridge when he was top year. Nathan is now working with Joel and Oliver and it’s only a matter of time before his results will improve, but he ran well today in great company.
Our six athletes should be congratulated as it’s every young athlete's aspiration to compete in these championships. They can now look forward to a couple of road races before embarking on the track season.
Sadly due to shin splints Emily Caton, who had been selected to run for Essex, was not able to race in these championships. We wish Emily a speedy recovery.