The 3rd event in this season’s Essex Cross Country League took place on Saturday at Writtle University. Thankfully the heavy rain relented just in time for the mid-day Women’s race and although the 4.5 mile course was flat for the most part, it was certainly challenging as the ground was waterlogged in several places. With 174 finishers in total it was Hayley Lamkin who once again led the Halstead Road Runners team home with a fine 16th place. Caroliena Cameron was next, crossing the line in an excellent 79th with Noush Springett in her first cross country season coming in soon after in 86th. Emma Healy showing good form completed the 4 woman team in 99th. Mandy Humm, a seasoned road runner, is really getting to grips with the varied terrain of cross country, placing 101st then came Wendy Carter giving her all in 112th. Victoria Metson, returning from a serious injury, continues to build her confidence and she was very pleased to complete the course in 130th. Jody Smith, another runner new to the cross country scene ran very well to place 148th and last but definitely not least, Jo Norris crossed the line in 151st with a beaming smile on her face.
With the top 12 clubs in the county competing in Division 1, Halstead are among the others competing in Division 2 and chasing promotion. Another great team performance saw them place 4th this time and with two races to go they still have a good chance to place highly. The Men’s race was slightly longer at just under 5 miles and for the first time this season Halstead managed to field a full team of 6. No fewer than 296 finishers in this race meant that by the 2nd lap the race route was becoming more slippery. Chris Lloyd in his debut season of cross country ran really well to finish 139th with expectant Dad Gav Ripton, needing to get home quick just in case, running a great race in 209th. With age group trophies to be won, Bob Langley did his chances no harm at all finishing 221st overall and 2nd in his V65 age category. Darren Powell was next in 266th with Andy Carter a few places back in 272nd. Completing the team was Neil Addington in 276th. Although an experienced trail runner, this was Neil’s first proper cross country race since school! Also in Division 2, Halstead’s men came 8th.
