The 3rd leg of the XC series took place at Allestree Park on January 23rd. A merry bunch of 8 runners made the journey up the A38 to Derby with Lauren as supporter filling in for Chris on camera and admin duty. It was beautiful, muddy running weather and the scenery wasn’t too bad either. The biggest turn out overall at the series so far this season!

The course was 2 laps of 3 miles, making it a long one. It was very much an uphill slog for the majority, but the wonderful one mile downhill to finish each lap made it worth it! The ladies made some cracking efforts with Kate leading the team in with a top 25 finish, followed closely by Anna and then Helen. Newbie Kieren smiled the whole way round to finish her first XC race and Marian brought the team home by beating off some South Derbyshire and Smalley Ladies XC.

Sadly we did not have enough men to field a team, however the 3 we had still put on a decent showing. They were led home by Nick who made the whole thing look easier than I’m sure it was. Stephen followed close behind, consistent as ever. And then David brought them in making it 3 top 100 finishers in a tough men’s field on the day! Fruit cake, coffee and biscuits rounded off the experience, a morning well spent by all.