Mark, Angel, Carol, Keith, Simon, Nick, Pat, Santosh, Shona, Rob & Steve
Phil York reports from the senior races:
“I was really pleased to spend this afternoon hanging out with these eager ESM cross country runners, pictured here raring to go at Trent Park, Cockfosters!
Chilly weather but firm going underfoot for some good old traditional cross country competition in the Fraternity/Sorority Cups – the 4.7 mile course was a mixture of grassy fields, stony paths and a very steep climb on each of the large laps. Plus some welcome descents too!
Shona in action
Shona Cowper led the ladies’ team home with a fine tenth place finish, with U20 athlete Angel Grimes-McTavish second scorer in 25th position. In a four-to-score team competition, Patricia Thomas and Carol Jones finished well up the field in 51st and 63rd respectively, with barely a speck of mud to be seen on their clothing.
This was a rare occasion when men and women ran together, over the same distance on the same course. No need for a debate here over whether or not to equalise race distances across the gender spectrum. Does that make sense?”
[Editor’s note: a mini-debate did nonetheless ensure… Patricia comments “so good to run with the men but never do I want to equalise”, to which Phil responded: “I’m in favour of equalising it in a downwards direction!”]
Simon closes the team
“Well, it made sense to watch ESM men do battle with other local clubs, with Santosh Rai (37th) leading the team home in the six-to-score competition. Packing well behind Santosh were Mark Kencroft (54th), Nick Steel (63rd) and Rob Brown (73rd). A long gap followed before our final two scoring places were decided, but thanks to Steve Plested and Simon Turrell we completed a team. Triathlete Keith Freegard was just one place behind Simon after some juxtapositioning during the race”.
Cross country enthusiast Mark Kencroft was also heard to say he enjoyed his outing – not least the all-important post-race chat with clubmates on the train home!
ESM results summary:
Men: 37 Santosh Rai 28:49; 54 Mark Kencroft (V50) 29:37; 63 Nick Steel 29:55; 75 Rob Brown (V50) 30:41; 175 Steve Plested (V60) 36:26; 183 Simon Turrell (V50) 36:44; 184 Keith Freegard (V50) 36:55
Women: 10 Shona Cowper 33:14; 25 Angel Grimes-McTavish (U20) 35:04; 51 Patricia Thomas (V45) 37:56; 63 Carol Jones (V50) 38:58
Full results on power of 10
North-West London League
Bridie adds a few comments from the North West London League event which preceded the senior races. Thanks also to Annick, who supplied most of the photos.
“The U11 boys enjoyed their race, with some brotherly rivalry between Evan Thomson and new member Ashley (still only eight). They were led home by the always enthusiastic Elliot Edgar. In the U13 girls’ race, Sonia was deservedly pleased with her run, as she is showing good progress. U15 Lucy Henson is still recovering from illness, but showed good spirit running yesterday. Lauren ran an equally determined race, as did Josie, and it was good for them to be running as a full team. U15 boys Vitaly and Thomas are getting stronger with each race. Arun and Jonah enjoyed their first cross country outing and helped each other along. Hussein said that there were too many hills but he put in a good sprint finish! Credit to Hussein for going back around the course to cheer on the seniors – I have to admit Annick and I escaped to the cafe!! U17 Matteo put in a solid performance”.
ESM results summary:
U13 girls (2450m):
32 Sonia Ouzhene 12:43
U15 girls (3000m):
10 Lucy Henson 14:29; 19 Lauren Beale 15:45; 20 Josie Booker 15:50
U11 boys (2450m):
26 Elliot Edgar 13:11; 31 Ashley Thompson 13:34; 37 Evan Thompson 14:05
U15 boys (4200m):
12 Vitaly Bender 16:31; 18 Thomas Edgar 17:01; 33 Arun Smith 18:04; 36 Jonah Mezeh 18:09; 48 Hussein Zaaiter 21:08
U17 men (5600m):
17 Matteo Lamagna 26:09
Full results on power of 10