On Saturday 18th February a total of 87 runners from 14 clubs across England and Wales took part in the National Cross Country Championship hosted by Essex Boys and Girls Clubs at Stubber’s Adventure Centre in Upminster, Essex.
Many of the clubs travelled a great distance to compete in the Nationals including Cardiff from The Boys and Girls Clubs of Wales, Hastings and West Hill BC of Sussex and Surrey Clubs for Young People and six clubs from the Durham Association of Boys and Girls Clubs: Birtley, Derwentside, Chester Le Street, Low Fell, Blackhill and Sunderland.
In addition there were a number of clubs from the Essex Boys and Girls Clubs network competing for both National and County titles. These clubs included: Centurions ABC, St Joseph’s YC, Rayne ABC, Bancroft Lions CC, Colne Engaine YC and Linford Wanderers FSC.
The sun shone throughout the day and the temperature was uncharacteristically mild which made for ideal cross country running conditions and an enjoyable atmosphere for spectators (especially when twinned with the abundance of homemade cakes courtesy of EBGC’s Sue Pell).
Races took place for boys and girls at U11, U13, U15 and U17 age groups offering both individual and team awards.
(Many more photos can be seen by clicking HERE)
The U11 and U13 races were dominated by the Durham runners with only Jack Warren of Essex (U11 boys 2nd place) managing to prevent Durham from claiming the top three placings in all four races.
The U15s and U17s girls races saw Durham take the two top spots in both with Rayne ABC (Essex) and Hastings & West Hill BC (Sussex & Surrey) taking both 3rd spots respectively.
The U15s boys saw a different club take control with Linford runners (Essex) claiming 1st and 2nd with Durham in 3rd whilst the final race saw Ryan Arthur of Durham hold off four runners from Cardiff as he lead from start to finish to take number one spot in the U17 boys.
Essex Boys and Girls Clubs would like to thank all of the runners, club leaders and volunteers for supporting this event and travelling great distances to take part. Without your ongoing support an event like this would not be possible.
If you would like to know more about promoting running within your club, or entering your members in our annual Cross Country Championships, please contact Will on 01245 264783 or wills@essexboysandgirlsclubs.org
Results:
Top Three Placings:
County Cross Country Top 3s
National Cross Country Top 3s
Full Results Tables (containing all runner’s placings and times):
Cross Country Champions COUNTY Results Table 2017
Cross Country Champions NATIONALS Results Table 2017