English Cross Country Championships - London 25th February 2006

The Saucony English National Cross Country Championships returned to Parliament Hill Fields, London on Saturday 25th February. Over the years this venue has become the spiritual home of Cross Country running since the first ever Women’s National Championship was held at the venue in 1950. Back then the men and women held separate events and in fact they did not combine these until 1995. This year marks the tenth visit to Parliament Hill Fields for such a fixture and 2003 was the first time that all age groups, male and female were represented. The ground was very muddy, making the going difficult on the classic course.

Richmond & Zetland Harriers had 11athletes of all ages make the journey to London by train to partake in the spectacular, which is the National Cross Country Championships. The highest finishing position of the day went to Fergus Roberts in the U13 boys, crossing the line in 22nd place overall and surely shows great potential for years to come. Regular team mates Marc Scott and Thomas Allen also had outstanding finishes in 42nd and 48th positions respectively.

Amy Coulson represented the club in the U13 girl’s race, having a great run as well as enjoying her day out and taking the tape in 293rd place. The Roberts family were up and running once again, with Doug and Jessie finishing well up the order in 47th position in the U15 boys from 326 competitors and 47th in the U17 women over a 5K course. Cara Penfold took part in the Junior Women’s race, which also covered 5K and clocked a great position of 89th, while James Brownfield-Pope flew the flag for the club in the Junior Men’s competition, finishing in 178th place.

It was now the turn of the Senior Women, who were represented by coach and athlete Fiona Hughes, who ran the 8K course comfortably and took 266th place from 444 participants. Jon Orange and Paul Roberts ran in the Senior Men’s race, after trying to keep warm all afternoon whilst other events took place. There were an amazing 1288 participants, with Jon putting on a superb performance to cross the line in 171st position and Paul having a fantastic result and finishing in 404th place overall.

RZH Results: Under 13 Boys – 22nd Fergus Roberts, 42nd Marc Scott & 48th Thomas Allen. Under 13 Girls – 293rd Amy Coulson. Under 15 Boys – 47th Doug Roberts. U17 Women – 47th Jessie Roberts. Junior Women – 89th Cara Penfold. Junior Men – 178th James Brownfield-Pope. Senior Women – 266th Fiona Hughes. Senior Men – 171st Jon Orange & 404th Paul Roberts.