Saturday 21 February
National Cross Country Championships 2026, Hardwick Park, Sedgefield, County Durham
From Parliament Hill in 2025, this national championship moved up north to Sedgefield. It’s been 14 years since this event took place in the northeast. The last occasion took place at Herrington Country Park, Sunderland following a night of heavy snowfall. As the event progressed, the snow melted rapidly to create a freezing muddy surface. Despite the recent relentless rainfall, the surface at Sedgefield was far more forgiving – firm on the whole with only two short stretches of mud. The climbs were plentiful, but gradual and the temperature was relatively mild until the wind picked up. Overcast skies but only a few spots of rain, so overall the conditions were spot on.
The women took to the start line at 13.40. We had ten entries and ten participants. First home was Justina Heslop (former under 15 national cross country champion), finishing the 8km course in 33.27. in 86th position. Sarah Platten back in fine form followed in a time of 36.02 (147th) with Jude Nutt 37.19 (184th) and Rachel Dodds 37.55 (204th) completing the team of four to score for the club. They were the 22nd team overall, 5th north east team.
Strong runs from our remaining six runners Andrea Banner, Debbie Spoor, Heather Donald, Mathilde Barker, Caroline Johnson and Lisa Allen. All agreed that the 8km course was great preparation for the next NEHL race at Alnwick on 28 February.
The start of the men’s race at 3pm was the usual sight to behold – a stampede of over 1000 athletes from an 80m start line converging towards the first incline in the course.
Dan Milton on his debut at the Nationals was our first athlete over the line, completing the 12km course in 43.04 in 121stplace. Another debutant, David King finished in 50.50 and looking like his injury woes were a distant memory. Joseph Green smiled his way round the course in 51.29 and even had the breath to thanks supporters as he ran. Completing the team of six counters were Mark Turnbull (51.41), Ben Ward (52.48) and Joe Horner (53.47). The team finished in 39th place.
David Allan had a storming run in 55.39. Pete Dawson (57.58) seemed to grow stronger as the race went on and finished close behind Paul Taylor (57.24). Roland Brown (58.23) and David Walton (58.27) were three seconds apart and a minute later Daniel Edgar (59.39) completed the Elswick line up. Unfortunately, Mike Russell had a fall and withdrew from the race after two laps. In the nine-man team race, Elswick finished in 25th place, 9th northeast team.
No word yet as to where the Nationals will be located next year, but Sedgefield was a resounding success so hopefully, the event will return to Hardwick again in the future.
For full results follow the link.
https://results.sporthive.com/events/7430222477810204672
And information about the Nationals including videos and photos:
Sunday 22 February
Derwent Reservoir 5 and 10 mile Race – Wild Deer events
Malcolm Liddle was flying the Elswick flag in the 5 mile event, coming first in his age category in a time of 45.38, accompanied by Lewis’s girlfriend Jade Wallace, who finished in 45.02. Perhaps Jade would like to join the club – we’d love to have her!
Huge congratulations to David Jones who was overall winner in the 5 mile race in a time of 32.21. This was David’s first ever victory. He led from the start, which he described as an unusual experience having no-one to chase for the entirety of the 5 mile distance. Most of us can only dream of running at the front of the field. Well done David.
https://www.timingupnorthresults.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16576&RId=6382