Newport Harriers
Intercounties Cross Country

McCain UK Cross Challenge inc World Trials & Inter Counties

13th March, Birmingham

It seemed such a good idea at the time: back in early October in fragrant Bridgend, spikes sharp and competition in the air, the cross country season just about to start. Yeah let’s try for the Inter Counties. Why not? Just a tick on the East Wales form – ‘available if selected’ – it’ll be a laugh, mixing with the stars and it’s a lot less mileage than aiming for the Rhayader 20. Ann remembers her glory days and coming 24th. Or was it 25th? Rhian remembers the bus breaking down 8 miles from the course and coming 200th.

Five months pass. Lots of snow and Gwent leagues and here we are in Birmingham. The organisation is excellent. Hordes of fit young people mill around. Excitement is in the air. We’re just feeling anxious and out of our depth.

On the walk around the course a multitude of regional accents are eagerly anticipating the races. ‘I think he could get top 20....’ ‘See that tree, they’ll all be burning up there, so start your effort then...’

The races start. The U20 men sweep past in one large incredibly healthy and impressive looking pack. There don’t seem to be any stragglers. It all looks super quick. The U13 boys appear to be setting 200m PBs at the start of their 3k race.
Some of the comments around us are becoming more resigned, ‘What is he doing?’

Now it’s us. We pass through airport style security to reach the start and have to show our numbers and ankle chips. I walk through next to Charlene Thomas who won the world championship trial 1500m. I’m excitedly telling Ann about my star spotting when I realise Steph Twell (former World junior 1500m champion) is right next to her. Oh the glamour!

Then we’re off. Yes, I am burning up by the tree. No, I didn’t get lapped. The support is tremendous. And miracle of miracles there are people behind me at the finish. Ann was 248th, me 255. And how many were in it? Ah well...... A great day out. World indoors anybody?

Rhian Loudon

Individual results

Under 13 Boys

John Roberts 238th

Under 15 Boys

Curtis Goodger 143rd

Jack Fear 173rd

Under 17 Men

Emrys Penny 52nd

Ben McEwan 231st

Under 13 Girls

Chyenne Sinclair 185th

Under 17 Women

Delwyn Louden 249th

Senior Women

Ann Saxenna  248th

Rhian Louden 255th