Red Rose XC League, Race 2, 29 October 2016
Race Report by David Leslie
Over to Witton Park in Blackburn for the 2nd Red Rose Cross Country race, well organised by Blackburn Harriers with help from Andy O’Sullivan. The course was 2 laps for women and 4 laps for men following a flagged route around the park, up a short, steep muddy track into farmland then a long descent back to the park. The race started in heavy drizzle and although this soon stopped it left the course very muddy, worsening towards the end of the day as hundreds of runners went through the muddy bits. Some Harriers appreciated the hilly bits making a change from cross country circuits which are often flat and fast. The Harriers squad was out in force and there were fields of 108 women and 184 men running with 15 teams competing in the overall leagues. The Harriers women were 5th team, second in the Vets league, with Rebecca Patrick, Mel Blackhurst and Kate Mansell the three counters. Mel and Rebecca were both second in their category showing just what a good performance this was. The womens winner was Jessica Judd, a rising star in middle distance running who won silver at the 2012 World Junior Championships. For the men’s team, Club Chairman Nick Barber was first Harrier home followed by team counters Graeme Brown, Dwane Dixon, Matt Flanagan, Tom Barker and Ben Crowther. These were excellent performances, with Nick Barber being 2nd vet home and Graeme Brown 4th. Also notable was Richard Blakeley running in his first cross country season and coming in 1st in the Vet 70 category.
Results – Women
Rebecca Patrick 11 21.01
Mel Blackhurst 23 22.08
Kate Mansell 31 23.15
Jackie Scarf 32 23.17
Michelle Fuller 55 25.18
Louise Greenwood 75 26.53
Results – Men
Nick Barber 24 34.49
Graeme Brown 34 35.20
Dwane Dixon 59 37.37
Matt Flanagan 66 38.36
Tom Barker 125 42.47
Ben Crowther 126 42.58
James Riley 130 43.31
Richard Blakeley 175 52.33