Olivia and Ewan lead the way in impressive Derby AC performances at Northern XC champs
Derby AC athletes shone with some great racing and even a medal in the Northern Cross Country Championships, reports XC coach Jerry.
Tatton Park, near Knutsford, 1,000 acres of parkland and woodland, was the location for the champs on Saturday 25 January, with 17 Derby AC athletes competing. A largely flat and fast course had survived Storm Eowyn, the sun was shining, and the early question was – embrocation or sun lotion?
Derby AC had a superb day, each athlete encapsulating the notion that you are truly your own hero in running.
Personal goals set, expectation high and optimism even higher. First race, U17 girls, 5.2k, Iris, Isobel and Emily on the start line. Iris Clarke, Derbyshire Schools Senior Girls champion, ran strongly, moving through the field to finish an excellent 11th; Isobel Shipley raced smartly, gliding past athletes to achieve a superb 27th position; and Emily Whitehead, a consistent performer in high-class competition, was 60th. A fine start (but four athletes needed for a team position).
Loughborough student Sarah Bourne lined up in a very strong U20 women’s race; 5.8k suited her, committing to the fast early pace, and a super-excited Sarah used her experience, held her form and finished an excellent 8th position. Derby on the move, confidence was up.
Could it improve? Enter Connie Hodge and Amelie Wheeler in the U13 girls. A huge field of athletes set off on the 3.1k course. Connie, Derbyshire Schools silver medallist, no fear, fast from the gun, was in the top 10 and working hard. A fast finish resulted in Connie achieving a brilliant 7th place. Amelie was pacing herself well and showed her potential with a top half finish in 62th; fabulous running girls.
Osniel Segel and Will Saunders up next. U13 boys, 3.1k, another huge field, simple tactics, run fast. Osniel committed to the lead group, Will just behind. In an incredibly competitive race, Osniel followed up his 2nd place at Derbyshire Schools, with a superb 23rd place, Will, rich in potential, had a fabulous run to finish only 3 seconds behind in 26th position. Well done lads.
U15 girls, 4k, 1 large lap. Derby had a strong team, 5 talented athletes. Pre-race questions abounded – could Olivia Lee medal and what colour spikes should Jessica put on? Pink! Really? Running fashion matters! Derby has a rising star, 3rd in September’s delayed National; could Olivia improve on 3rd and earn a medal? The early signs were encouraging, Olivia with her trademark determination in the lead. Alice Lincoln, Jessica Whitehead, Sophia Wheeler and India-Rose Dowey were all running with confidence and belief. Emerging from the long part of the course. Olivia was a clear second, a strong sprint carried her to the silver medal. Brilliant. Alice, following her 3rd place in Derbyshire Schools, was magnificent 29th place, Sophia Wheeler confimed her potential with 32nd position, Jessica, another Derbyshire Schools representative, was a 73rd and India-Rose with a determined run was 129th. Derby AC were 5th team. Superb.
Could Derby grab a team medal in the U20 men? 2 large laps, 7.9k, four lads – Ewan Busfield, Paddy Welsh, Dominic Muskos and Charlie Haste, high hopes. A fast early pace, a lead group of eight athletes as the first lap was completed. Paddy was having a blinder, top 20, Don and Charlie working into the race. A break is made to win, Ewan is in a group of five, working hard with a fast finish: 4th place for the Northern U20 3K Champion. Brilliant. Paddy is running strongly, 18th position, a superb run from the Loughborough student; Dominic all elegance and relaxation in 55th and Charlie the epitome of joyful running, came 57th; 4th team, wonderful effort.
Another memorable day in the annals of Derby AC. Goals met, ambitions fulfilled, a medal secured – well done Olivia. Thanks to a wonderful band of supportive and encouraging parents and thanks to the coaches who continue to do fabulous work. And finally, here’s a thought – let’s target individual medals, team medals and a full set of teams at next year’s Northern Championships.