Hardwick East Park, Sedgefield, Co Durham, on Saturday 21st February 2026
Report by Jan and Ken Heslop
The last time the English National Cross Country Championships were held in the North East was at Herrington Country Park in Sunderland in very muddy and snowy conditions. Moving on to 2026, the Nationals made their return to the North East. Such was the success of our trip to Parliament Hill last year, you get the feeling those that went to London would like to have rather had a road trip again. Athletes, coaches and supporters are still talking about it.
The first men’s National was held in 1876 at Epping Forest but was declared void as all the runners went off course (32 starters). The first ladies event was in 1927 held at Luton with 81 starters. (A little bit different from the amount of competitors today). Junior races came much later.
The weather was kind to us on this occasion, but when the wind got up the temperature went down a little. The course was relatively mud free with just a couple of mud spots on the far side of the course. It’s great to see our juniors competing against the best in England and how well they all did, flying the Elswick flag. A special mention to the organisers for putting a great day of racing. Also Steve Bond for getting there early and putting the tent up and collecting the numbers. Not forgetting our usual band of supporters, parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, coaches etc.
Provisional results as follows:
Under 13 Boys approx 3.1K
174th Dominic Tomlinson 12.37 – 213th Josh Shane 13.17
Under 13 Girls approx 3.1K
79th Elodie Stoker 12.36 – 128th Rosa Tadele 13.17 – 166th Lily Roxburgh 13.56 – 169th Xanthe White 13.57 (making her debut for Elswick) 19th team 5th NE team.
Under 15 Boys 4K approx
101st Jacob McCoy 13.32 – 169th Dexter White 14.14 – 216th Nicholas Surtees-Brown 14.54
Under 15 Girls 4K approx
54th Ayla Blight 14.50 – 104th Lucile Barker 15.43 – 174th Millie Robson 17.27 – 185th Charlotte Taylor 17.56 – 191st Niamh Logan 18.08 – 197th Jemima Bond 18.43 – 200th Cate Johnson 18.52. 16th Team – 2nd NE team
Under 17 Girls 5K approx
131st Emma Tomlinson 21.27
Under 20 Men – (approx 10.1K)
98th Sam Allison – 38.11
If you have any photos please post on junior Facebook.
From All The Junior Coaches