North East County X-Country Championships – younger age group

This year’s championships were held on the familiar territory of the Alnwick harrier league course.  The gusting cold winds made it an even more difficult test for the young runners.

In the non championship under 11s races which started the day’s competition, Harry Hunter was 3^rd in the boys, despite going off course, followed in by Will Das, Ben Forster and Oliver Potts.  Lyla Fenn led the girls home in 11^th, in front of Skye Marshall and Maeve Taggart.  All the under 11s, some of whom were racing for the first time, did well to cope with such a tough course for their age group.

There was a good show of strength in the under 13 Boys.  Theo Dragoi was an excellent 2^nd, leading the team of him, Matthew Das, 4^th, and Alex Lienard, 12^th, to a clear victory. Sam Emery missed out on team medals in 13^th just ahead of Harry Garrett.  Sonny Lewins, Matthew Waters and Sam Punn completed the turnout.  Alex, Sam, Harry and Matthew Waters have just turned 11 so it was very encouraging to see them run so well.

Annabel Milburn was first home in the under 13 girls, running strongly to finish 5^th. Marina Swift was the next counter in 21^st, Iona Johnstone in 36^th Elle Sperring 40^th and Cassie Dornan 62^nd.  The team finished 5^th, a creditable performance as Millie Watson had to retire with a twisted ankle.

In the under 15 Boys, Luca Shaw was first counter in 24^th, followed by Noah Curran 31^st and Oliver Ezeoke 33^rd with the team coming in 7th. Cassius Dornan, struggling with stitch, kept going to finish 48^th.

The under 15 Girls were particularly hit by call offs.  Anya Crowder was an encouraging 11^th.  Lucy Oliver did well to finish 38^th.

Charlie Daley ran well to finish 5^th in the under 17 Men among strong competition. David Race was 19^th, suffering from a recent bout of flu. Jack Garrett, fresh from a 60m PB 2 days previously, was 30^th and the team was 4^th.

Turnout was lower than expected because of several late call offs which certainly affected team positions in some age groups.  Well done to all the runners who competed.  Thanks go to everyone who supported the young athletes and who helped with the tent.  There are some fantastic photos on the Facebook page courtesy of Geoff Fenwick who had a busy day.

Thanks also to the race hosts, Alnwick Harriers, and the NECAA officials for organising the championships successfully