Gloucestershire Cross Country Champs, Jan 5th, 2019
On a cold and grey early January afternoon, CLC Striders athletes made their way to the beautiful setting of the Churn river valley, between Cheltenham and Cirencester in the grounds of Rendcombe School. The event was the annual Gloucestershire Cross Country Championships, the perfect way to banish the excesses of the Christmas season. The course proved a brilliant cross country challenge, complete with hills, descents, multi-terrain and a crossing of the River Churn itself!
Once again, the club’s ladies led the way. For the first time this season, Karlien Keyrman led the club home with a great 11th placing overall as the 6th senior lady finisher. She was followed home in 14th place overall by Helen Knight, who earned 3rd place in her LV35 category.
The ever-improving Rachel Vines registered 22nd place overall as the 5th finisher in her LV35 category. And the ladies performance was topped off with Amanda Steer finishing 27th overall, as the 3rd in her LV45 category, and Amelia Mullins in 31st overall as 5th in her LV45 category.
Overall, the ladies achieved a strong 4th placing in both the senior and vets categories.
Next, it was the turn of the men to test themselves across the beautiful parkland terrain and they performed well too. In particular, David James finished 1st in his MV65 category and John Willson finished 2nd in his MV55 category. In addition, vets Paul Lockyer and Eoine McQuone were 47th and 64th overall. And in the team standings on the day, the men finished 8th in the vets competition.
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Pictured; David James (winner of the MV65 category) and Helen Knight, 3rd in the LV35 category on the day.