And We’re Off!

In what is becoming quite a routine, the 2026-27 Cross Country Season began on Saturday at Woodbank Park. This year the weather was changeable with the wind gusting from the north west adding a chill and sudden showers which left some Harriers unsure of what to wear. In the end there was a good mix of vests-only and vests with T-shirt. The going was generally firm to good which meant for some fast racing on the top end of the course and the long descents to the river meadow. We won’t talk about the the steep climbs back from from the river to the start/finish area!
Unlike the previous year there were no major sporting clashes on the day and the turnout was good. The ladies set off first and were able to field 2 teams of 4 with Helen Mutch starting the season from where she left off, quickly getting into the lead from the gun and finishing in 44:01, a full 5 mins faster than last year – take that!
Second lady home was Karen Hallett making a welcome return to cross country after an injury induced lay-off in a time of 44:46.
Third Lady home was Kyrinda Carter-Moore who is also making returning to cross-country after a lay-off in a time of 49:09.
Together with the other Middleton Ladies, this was a really good showing and I for one can’t wait to see the team results, all the ladies were in a good grouping within 12 minutes of each other – a pleasure to see.

Ladies Results

The Men had a brilliant turnout of 8 runners, a massive improvement on last year and were led home by James O’Connor making a welcome return to the Harriers XC team with a time of 52:29 from Dean Clapworthy in 54:07 with Anthony Walsh third in 57:38. With a big call out to John Hall on winning his age category of V80 – Mega!
Like the ladies, the men had a good turnout and this bodes well for the rest of the season. Fingers are crossed that we can keep it up!

Mens Results