DSCF4358R DSCF4369R DSCF4378R DSCF4394R DSCF4432R DSCF4412RMid Lancs Cross Country – Thorncliffe – Barrow in Furness

 

15th November 2014

 

 

Mud – What Mud !

 

Last Saturday saw our annual pilgrimage to deepest, darkest, muddiest, Barrow in Furness.  For the hardy few that made the long journey it turned out to be a pleasant day, slightly chilly with the sun radiating over the estuary.

 

Today saw the official unveiling of our new Pendle feather which waved magnificently in the breeze and was immediately spotted by the Atkins family from afar – that, along with our little tent, formed our Pendle camp!

 

The going was soft for our runners with mud a plenty underfoot but this was not a deterrent for our young athletes.

 

First on the starting line was Ella Atkins in the U13 Girls, with ponytail a swishing she had a fabulous race looking stronger each week.  Ella finished confidently in 20th place out of 29 runners – well done Ella.

 

Next to run was our Pendle newcomer, Harry Smith, in the U13 boys who placed himself well in the middle of the pack and maintained his position throughout the race having a brilliant run. Harry finished a fab 15th out of 22 runners – keep up the good work Harry.

 

On to the U15 boys, the first or our teams, led by the phenomenal Kai Atkins who commanded the course with an amazing run, increasing his stride to finish strongly as he was chased in by Nathan Dunn from Preston Harriers.

 

Gregan Baker and Harry Schofield supported Kai well both having superb runs to finish in 18th and 20th place.  The U15 Boys’ Team finished in 3rd place – a big well done to you all.

 

On to the U17 Men which saw our 2nd Team, Tiarnan Crorken, Thomas Marchant and Callum Ross.  Our boys looked extremely strong as they were amongst the forerunners of the race.  Their power was amazing as they cruised round the muddy course.  Tiarnan got off to a great start and proved what a fabulous runner he is but unfortunately had to pull out due to a problem but Thomas and Callum powered on.  You could feel the anticipation rising as Thomas in 2nd place disappeared out of view and returned from the trees the leader – he finished impressively in first place with joy radiating from his little face!  fantastic Thomas – you are a worthy runner and a great Pendle Champion!  Callum finished in an incredible 7th place with a quality run.

 

Last but not least to compete for Pendle was Josh Ingham, now in the Senior Men, who made Noel proud today by completing the 10km run in 33rd place out of 192 runners.  His dedication to training showed today and he was rewarded with a brilliant run and result.

 

Everyone enjoyed the day, the boys finished with a muddy game of football and arranged a full day fishing for Sunday,  I took home a delightful tent caked in Barrow mud but poor Ella, who ran first, forgot her tracksuit bottoms and took refuge in our tent to try and keep warm – oh how you wished there was a radiator in there ! – you won’t forget them again – will you Ella Atkins !!!

 

Report by Lynn Baker

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