The club had its biggest turnout of young athletes in the National Cross Country Championships for several years on 23 February. Held in spring like weather at Harewood House, and on a tough but fast course, the championships provided excellent experience, particularly for those new to this level of competition.
The club’s highest finisher was Charlie McMillan who ran through to 31st in the under 17 men. In perhaps his best run of the season to date, Charlie was the second runner from the NE to finish, just over a minute behind first placed Sam Charlton of Wallsend Harriers.
Other top 100 finishes came from Chloe Wellings, 70th in the under 17 Women , and David Race, 44th in the under 15 Boys.
In the under 15 Girls, Rosie Hughes, 149th, and Jessica Ord, 184th, both ran strongly, sensibly pacing themselves after the hectic start.
The club’s only junior team on the day, Jessica Milburn. Anya Crowder, Annabel Milburn and Lucy Oliver, finished in a creditable 28th position. They were the 3rd NE team to finish.
Illness meant that only 2 of the under 13 boys team could run. The remaining runners, Ben Asquith and Oliver Ezeoke ran strongly, in the middle of the pack but holding their ground well.
Well done to all the competitors for doing so well in the unseasonal conditions. It’s not often that cross country runners complain of the heat and head to the ice cream van after their races!
Thanks to everybody who supported the young runners.
We now look ahead to the final harrier league fixture at Alnwick on 2 March.
Also, anybody wanting to run in Birtley AC’s cross country relays for young athletes, on 10 March at Lord Lawson School, please contact me.
Gordon Bell 07753554731
bell.gordon@btinternet.com