After a year off due to the pandemic, the NESS cross country league got back underway with its first fixture at Writtle Agricultural College, hosted by Springfield Striders. Ideal weather conditions were welcomed by the runners. Teams from all across North Essex and South Suffolk compete in this league and it was fantastic to reunite with the rival clubs.
A double lapped course around the college grounds proved challenging for the 17 Halstead runners. Nathan Roulson (40th) was first home with a strong run from start to finish. Mike Smith (56th) was hot on his tails showing some superb XC form. Steve May (72nd) worked his way up the field with Gav Ripton (75th) and Stephen Metson (83rd) not far behind. Sam Wolton (129th) found an extra spurt of energy in the finishing stages and completed our scoring team. Darren Powell (131st) had a cracking run, showing considerable improvement since the last XC season. Bob Langley (142nd) eased his way back into XC after injury. Newcomer to the club, Joseph Slee (150th) showed great XC potential. Cross country legend, Andy Carter was the final HRR man to cross the line finishing in 167th place.
The ladies ran alongside the men but scored separately. Rachael Roughan (10th) was first HRR lady home and delighted to make the top ten. Mandy Humm (55th) was determined to finish after hurting her ankle on course with club newcomer Hannah Whale (61st) completing the scoring team in her first cross country race. Victoria Metson (67th) and Charlotte King (69th) weren’t far behind and Anna Bambridge finished strongly in 90th place. Lauren Ripton brought the team home finishing in 102nd place.
Halstead men finished in first in their division, the ladies second with HRR placing second overall in division two.
John Warne ran the Suffolk Running Centre Mount Barrow Half Marathon which was an out and back course requiring 2 x 6.55 mile laps for the half marathon. It was a very hilly course and he finished in 2:04:17
