There are a few iconic cross-country events in England. At Alton Towers last year there was more mud than most people will see in a lifetime, the start of the races at Parliament Hills is a fantastic sight and the national in general is just great to say you've done it. However, the Southern Champs is another dimemsion for those who want to get the full cross-country experience. It is always the longest race on the calender, with the men covering 15K and the women over 8K.
This Saturday LBAC hosted the Beds and Bucks County Championships on the famous course at Cottesloe School in Wing. On a glorious January day we were treated to clear views across the open grassy fields of Wing and even some watery sunshine throughout the day.
The first race involving a Leighton athlete was the U13 girls. Sarah Plummer, in her first race for the club had a battle for much of the 3K race with another athlete from Bedford, and whilst she was just out sprinted at the end still cam home in an excellent 5th place. The equivalent boys race was run over an identical course and Leighton had two representatives in the in-form Owen Drabwell and Henry Mead. Owen took 14th place in the race and he was followed home by Henry in 23rd.
By Stuart Blofeld
The last day of 2011 saw me and two fellow LBACers, Simon and Pete tow the start line of the Pednor 10 with 115 other eager New Years Eve PB chasers! This was my first 10 mile race and so a certain PB on the cards. The Pednor 10 is organised by the Chiltern Harriers and starts in Chesham. The course 2 x 5 mile laps on rural country roads. The loop was a very simple out and back with the first 2 miles going straight out along a flat winding road which was followed by a big sharp climb. The final 2.5 miles of the loop descends gently back to the start where we did it all again!
For the 31st December it was a ridiculously balmy 12 degrees! Vest weather for sure. Simon, Pete and I took our positions at the front of the pack! Why not, Simon and Pete certainly had reason to be there with their speed. I on the other hand was expecting to be a little way behind them both. As expected Simon led out hard at 6 mpm pace with 5 or 6 other runners, followed by Pete with 2 other runners chasing not far behind. I started at Pete's pace but soon dropped off realising I wasn't going to be able to keep it going. I shuffled along at a more sustainable 6:30 pace with a handful of other runners around me.
Simon soon disappeared into the distance and was sure to have an awesome race. Pete continued to pull away and by the big hill at mile 2 he was gone. At this point I was caught by another runner who was looking strong. He passed me before the hill but I pushed hard up the hill to try and put some distance between us. That was to no avail as he stretched out a gap on the flat at mile 3. Two weeks of no running was starting to show. I held the gap for the remainder of the first lap.
This coming Saturday 7th January is the Beds & Bucks Cross Country championships, which we are hosting at Cottesloe School in Wing. We urgently need people to help with marshalling the course so if you can help, or if you have family/friends that may be willing to assist, then please contact Richard Inchley (rinchley@hotmail.com) or 01908 507017.
The first race is at 12.00 so we need marshals to arrive at 11.00, especially as the courses have changed from previous years! The last race starts at 2.30pm and so you should be done by 4pm. If you can only help for part of the day that is also useful so please let Richard know.
