Midland XC Championships (27/01/2019)

This years trip to Leamington for the 2019 Championships was filled with curiosity as they were using a much changed course in the surrounding countryside of the Spa town. Weather was variable with some sunny intervals, some drizzle and some showers all appearing throughout the day. The course did not disappoint. Long lengths of good running on the large loop combined with taxing hills and undulations led many to think this course was one of the best seen in recent years. Good enough for a National championships perhaps? Perhaps with some slight modifications but car parking would be the issue should that ever be contemplated.

So to the racing. Tipton's numbers were low in the age group races. Evie Tromans was our single runner in the U13 event placing a very creditable 17th. In the U13 Boys we had two out. Klay Felows was 57th and Tom Lucas 96th.

Moving to the U15 Girls saw three of our squad in action with Rosa Shadforth-Groucutt was 26th; Jade Charlton 38th and Jessie Walker completing the trio home in 58th. In the U15 Boys it was again three Harriers in action with Tom Bentley 35th; Cameron Lomax 57th & Benjamin Ferguson 53rd.

We had no one in the U17 races. In the U20 Men Louie Boot did himself and the club proud with 6th spot and in the U20 Women Bethany Walker was 11th. Both have had a good winters racing so far. Well done.

To the Seniors and the Women where we had five out. Amy Hadley ran well for 48th in a strong field that ran two of the large laps of the course. Catherine Holden was 69th determined to get a XC race in this season. Penny Barber, fresh from a visit to New Zealand, was 105th chased by Kate Williams in 109th. Katie Briggs was our fifth runner in 216th. The Women finished 10th team.

The Senior men were down on numbers with team manager Tom Holden suffering a number of withdrawals in the days leading up to the race. On the day nine ran and, considering, did well to place 4th team. With two in the top 20 in the form  of Tom Bains (12th) and Joe Smith (14th) the gave us a good start. Aeden O'Brian was next home in 46th spot chased closely by Adam Soley in 50th. Tom Holden had a good run for 65th and the closing 6 was completed by evergreen Dean Hill in 105th. Zabie Hassan was 163rd; Andy Acha was 247th and secret weapon Miles Wilson was 259th. Well done all. Thanks to all the supporters who cheered our club runners on.

Results