On Saturday it was the penultimate race in the BHAA cross country calendar. There was a sense of spring in the air as we arrived at the start line with “You sexy thing” blasting out of the van’s speakers. Never change BHAA!
It was the usual 2 mile race for the ladies and a 5 mile race for the men…and Brid! The women’s race was roughly 2 laps but I haven’t a clue what the route was – we were just negotiating a series of fields. The 5 mile race was more laps of the same. All I can remember are low-flying airplanes, a cemetery and a lacrosse (?!) match that needed to negotiated to get to the finish line. Yet again there was no mud. My spikes are finishing this cross country season cleaner than when it started!
Laura Cullen was first club woman home and, despite being steered in the wrong direction by the other leading ladies, fought off some stiff competition to finish in 4th place. Great running Laura. Next was Grainne Butler in 11th place and first in her age category. Well done Grainne. I was next in 15th place, followed by Fiona Fagan in 20th and Leonie Macauley in 37th.
We had a big field in the 5 mile race with Gareth leading the charge, finishing in 23rd place. Next was Dave Hipwell who battled well to finish in 27th place. William Beausang had a great run finishing in 38th and second in his age category. Andrew Davies worked his way through the field to finish in 54th place, with Nick Devery not far behind in 60th.
Brid Ryan dug deep and had a strong run, finishing in 75th. Brid was followed by Tony Garvin in 81st, Mark Carroll in 84th and Joe Delaney in 124th.
Well done to everyone racing. The final XC race of the season is next week in Maynooth. We may finally see a bit of mud!