The 2019 English National Cross Country Championships took place on Saturday 23rd February at Harewood House near Leeds, with some excellent performances from ECH athletes competing against the best runners in the country. It was a dry, sunny day but the course was a tough undulating one which was a test for all athletes.
Two highlight’s came in the last race of the day in the senior men’s race with Martin McGann (pictured) running his 50th consecutive National. An amazing achievement and huge dedication to the sport, what a fantastic role model to the younger athletes, well done!! Joe Steward had a storming run to move through the field and was our highest placed athlete on the day coming home in a superb 9th place. Other good performances in the same race from Liam Browne 850th, Darren Smith 905th, Dennis Thomas 988th, Derek Hughes 1364th, Gary Matthews 1398th, James Hartshorne 1479th, Martin Stout 1650th and Matthew Gush 1764th out of over 2000 runners.
Megan Lewis and Abby O’Neil went in the first race of the day in the under 17 women’s event both running well to finish 93rd and 153rd respectively over the 5k distance. The under 13 girls performed well with Matilda Byrnes 132nd, May Mannion 158th, Imogen Gush 279th, Alice Cunningham 359th and Leigha Manser 393rd placing 33rd in the team event. The next race with ECH representatives in were the under 13 boys with our highest team finish on the day placing 16th out of 43 teams. Excellent performances from Luke Carrington 56th, James Harney 78th, James McGraw 89th, Bobby Burton 262nd, Alfie Bundy 287th and Cole Wright 329th. Next to go were the under 15 girls with Rose Barlow finishing a creditable 162nd followed by Aliesha Smith 239th and Abbie Hirst 361st. The senior women raced just over 8 kilometres with Hayley Simpson performing well to finish 241st and Angela Oldham having another consistent run in 517th place out of over 1000 finishers.
Well done to all taking part and all the support on the day. There are more brilliant photos on our East Cheshire Harriers Facebook Page.