Our Junior Harriers were in action again last Sunday as they braved the horrendous weather conditions in the 2nd meeting of the NYSD Cross Country series. For the more experienced, it was just another race, but for the younger athletes it was a rude awakening to the joys of cross country running! But the strong winds, freezing rain and temperatures of about 3˚ (before the wind chill factor!!) didn’t put them off, so full credit to all the juniors for turning out and battling through it. As one Senior Harrier told us, “It’s good character building stuff!!” The turn out was lower than normal; one, because of the awful weather, and two, due to the schools cross country event that had taken place the day before. But there were some excellent performances from those that were there!
Under 11 Following in his big brother’s footsteps, Alex Boyer is making quite a name for himself on the cross country scene. It was another 1st place for him today finishing in an excellent time of 4:41. Not too far behind was Ashton Harrison – a cracking run bagged him 3rd place, crossing the line in 5:07. Sonny Campbell-Critely was our third boy to brave the elements. With a huge effort he finished an impressive 8th place in a time of 5:36. Well done boys, excellent running
Just two of our Under 11 girls decided to take on the wind and rain – and beat it! Two great performances; Zara Jones finished in 2nd place in an excellent time of 4:54, closely followed by Savannah Tarn in 7th place finishing in 5:36. A great effort from both girls, well done!
Under 13 There was just the one Under 13 boy running today – Joe Reeve. Up against some tough competition from Billingham and Richmond, Joe did tremendously well to finish in 4th place, in a time of 12:48. Good work, Joe, well done!
For the girls, Gabrielle Hall is always a serious contender, and today was no exception. A great effort from Gabby bagged her 3rd place in a time of exactly 13.00. The only other Under 13 girl today was Fern Shelton. A tremendous run from Fern in the tricky conditions, finishing 14th in 15:15. Well done girls, some great running today
Under 15 You would think that Daniel Boyer and Harry Wilson had earnt themselves a day off after running in the schools cross country the day before. But no, they were here again today, this time sporting their blue and white vest! Two strong runs as well from the boys; Dan finished in 6th place in in 16:52 and Harry in 9th, crossing the line in 18:42. Hats off to you, boys – back to school tomorrow for a rest!
It was a one, two for Darlington Harriers as the Under 15 girls absolutely stormed it! Emma Hart was first to cross the line after a very impressive run. Strong and determined, she finished in a cracking time of 18:29. Second place went to Peta Collins, who was 76 seconds ahead of third! An excellent run finishing in 19:13. Having only joined DHAC earlier this year, she’s been a great addition to the club. Well done girls, fabulous stuff #UTH!
Under 17 Last but not least, Ellie Phillips was the only Under 17 running today. She was taking part in the Senior Women’s race, in a field of 95 runners. Ellie certainly showed that she can compete with the best, in the worst of conditions, and still be successful. Finishing 8th overall, she was the 1st Under 17 to cross the line in a excellent time of 24:50. A great run, Ellie, and well deserved!
