The last cross country race of the season was upon us this Saturday, and the Bournville Harriers ladies were off to London for the delights of Parliament Hill. We had a lovely sunny day and I was transported in luxury with the weekend papers to read, by Helen and Paul to Hampstead Heath.
Laura, Linda and Margaret were already there when we arrived and we were also joined by Sarah. I got my first look at the hill – it’s quite something, but the sun was out and I was also interested in the ice cream vans - maybe the opportunity for the first outdoor ice cream of the year…. And it was only last week we were worrying about the snow.
We lined up at the start – a total of 556 ladies entered, and set off up the hill. Fortunately we only had to do the really tough hill once, and Helen had given us a useful tip to think of it in three stages. After that the mud really was relentless. I have never seen anything like it, we did well to keep our shoes on and Laura even lost a spike (my new triple knot technique held up very well – will have to remember that one for next year).
Welcome support was provided on the way round by Paul Foot, Stuart and the Kenchington family, Anne Kenchington having put in a strong performance in the under 13’s race earlier on. 8km later and there was a nice downhill stretch to the finish. Linda was first home for the club in a time of 37.59, and 188th place overall, closely followed by Margaret in 38.10.
The club came 40th out of 63 teams. We were all pleased with our performances, although a bit wobbly and goody bags provided much needed sustenance. I think that chocolate went straight to my muscles. Many of us headed off to enjoy the sights of London for the weekend. I definitely wasn’t the only one on the tube in shorts and muddy trainers…
Marianne Hensman
Individual results here. Team positions here. Pics here, plus more courtesy of BRAC, starting here.
Pos. No. Time.
188 4638 00:37:59 Linda Howell
200 4635 00:38:10 Margaret Kenchington
209 4637 00:38:25 Marianne Hensman
350 4639 00:42:34 Laura Leslie
410 4640 00:45:03 Sarah Rock
424 4636 00:45:38 Helen Foot
