Last weekend saw members of GRC participating at not just one, but two cross country fixtures. First up on Saturday was the third round of the North Midlands XC League which took place at Shipley Park in Heanor. Always a favourite, this 'proper' cross country course offers a bit of everything - parkland, track, fields, woodland, uphill sections and mud. In the men's race over a distance of 10K, Rob Howbrook was first back for GRC in a time of 43:27, which put him in third place in his age group. Peter Jennings put in a great effort on this testing course, finishing second for the club in 47:17. Paul Davis followed having put in a determined performance, with Andrew MacAllister not far behind and Craig Drury bringing the team home.
For the ladies in their 6K race, Caroline Davis was first back for GRC in 37:32, closely followed by Sarah High, who finished third in her age category.
Both teams are currently twelfth in this league.
Sunday saw several members of the club venture North to Louth for the fourth and final round of the Lincolnshire XC League.
Despite wet weather on the drive up, which could have kept the less hardy in the car, the rain held off for the ladies race. Over a distance of 5.1K and with a testing, undulating, wet and muddy course Sarah High was first back for GRC in 27:24. Paula Ebbins followed in 29:11, grateful for the cheerful support of the men's team which lifted her spirits.
A good turnout from the GRC men meant that we had two men's teams in their 7.5K race. Peter Bonner was first back in a time of 29:18 after putting in a storming effort round the slippery course. Robin Atter finished next for the club in 31:48. He was pleased with his pace being more at home on road than XC, but appreciated the variation to his winter training. Peter Jennings completed the first team with his second strong run in two days.
Team two was lead home by Paul Davis who put in a great effort finishing in 35:46. Paul was followed by Andrew MacAllister, and for both men this was also their second race of the weekend.
Paul Jepson, who enjoyed the race, finished next followed by Richard Urquhart. Paul commented that the rain holding off until the last lap was a bonus. All in all, those involved appreciated the chance to represent the club and felt that the support from team mates and the nice chats added to the morning.
Motto from the weekend...Mud: slippery when wet!
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