UK Cross Country Challenge Series - Gateshead - 15th November 2008

Richmond and Zetland had three athletes competing in the recent UK Cross Challenge Series; a cross country event held at Gateshead on Saturday 15th November, which marked the attendance of many top GB athletes, including Stephanie Twell, winner of the senior ladies race.

Fergus & Marc

In the Under 15 Boys event, the familiar figures of Fergus Roberts and Marc Scott were amongst the 43 runners taking part, looking for a good time amid their peers, with this being Fergus’ first season in the age group. Both made excellent starts and kept the pace up over the distance, with Fergus finishing less than a minute behind the eventual winner and taking a brilliant 10th place overall in 14.19. Marc was not far behind and duly took an excellent 11th position in 14.38, showing that they are both in great form for the winter season.

Doug Roberts also took part in the Junior Men’s race against some very tough competition, with David Forrester winning outright and hoping to do the same at the European Championships in Belgium. Undeterred Doug put in a great run, completing the tough course in 28.49, which earned him a well-deserved 38th place overall, from a quite formidable field.

Lancaster Half Marathon - 9th November 2008

Sarah Gregory also competed at the Lancaster Half Marathon on Sunday 9th November, when the weather was not very conducive to road racing, with wind, rain and hailstones en-route. All did not quite go according to plan and the pace was not as she had hoped, but was pleased to accrue the mileage as a prelude to marathon training in December. Her final time was 1.40.28, placing her in 159th position from 419 competitors and 6th in her age group.