Report from Jan&Ken
2021 National XC Relays Mansfield 5th November
It’s been a while since Elswick Junior’s performed on the National stage as a team. The coaches and some of our athletes thought with the quality of athletes why not jump in at the deep end and we certainly surfaced near the top. We make no apologies to point out the obvious this is a National event . All the top teams nationwide took part. For anyone who has never taken part in a National event either as competitor or spectator these are on another level.
This popular national event is returned following a one-year break due to the pandemic with more than 1000 teams competing at Berry Hill Park Mansfield First held at Crystal Palace in 1985, the event moved to Berry Hill Park in Mansfield in 1989 and has remained there ever since Geographically, the central venue in Nottinghamshire is a place many clubs can reach without too arduous a journey. The undulating course is challenging and picturesque but not too gruelling. With a mixture of sunshine rain and wind a typical English day in November .The organisation is slick and the busy 10-race schedule with so many teams mean there are simply lots of athletes, which helps create a terrific atmosphere. Short legs for athletes ensure the racing is fast and furious and spectator-friendly. In addition, the focus on teams and not individuals is undoubtedly part of the event’s winning formula
The first event of the day for Elswick was our under 15 girls (3x2k) With strength and depth we have in this age group we managed to field 2 teams.
There were 94 teams Our A team came 12th first North East team.
Time 23.11.050 Poppy Old 7.23.65 – 7.47.20 Poppy Wilde – Lucy Milburn 08. 00.20
Our B team came 37th fourth North East team.Time 24.26.900 Erin Blight 7.56.65 – Shinade Creighton 8.15.75 – Bella Russell 8.14.50
The Under 15 boys were next (3x2k) and came in a well earned 50th position and third North East team. There were 85 teams . Time 23.03.800 Elliot Kelso 7.08.80 – Bailey Shore 8.12.55 – Sam Allison 7.42.15
We don’t normally report on the seniors but felt we had to give them a mention on this occasion.
They came in 58th out of 128 teams and they were 3rd North Eastern team all these ladies are veteran runners (3x3K)
Total time 37.55 Judith Nutt 11.59.05 – Andrea Banner 12.56.05 – Joanne Brown 12.59.95 . Judith Nutt has come through the junior ranks and has represented Elswick for many years. Joanne turns out whenever needed.
Andrea Banner super woman, top athlete, team organiser , transport manager , tent erector and one of our valued coaches . She was amazing to do all this and run the race. We can’t thank you enough.
Thank you to the parents who managed to be able to come down and support our juniors it was a very long day and we all enjoyed it. Hopefully we may do more events outside of the region and put Elswick on the map.
From all the Junior Coaches.
