News

Steve makes World Cross team for Japan

Steve Vernon

Steve Vernon (left) goes all-out in a close finish to the UK Short Course Cross Country title at Woolaton Park, Nottingham on Saturday.

Steve Vernon made a valiant effort to retain his UK Short Course Cross Country title at Woolaton Park, Nottingham on Saturday to finish second in one of the tightest ever finishes the Championship has ever seen.

Steve was edged into second by Mark Wharmby of Newham & Essex Beagles with Angus McLean of Team Southampton only a stride behind Steve.

The race was only decided on the line in a blanket finish with all three athletes given the same time.

The race was the trial for the World Cross which takes place in Japan in three weeks time and only the first three were guaranteed a place in the Great Britain team.

Reigning champion Steve was looking for his third win in what will be the last ever short course race was disappointed not to make it three but was selected for the team going to Japan along with Wharmby and McLean.

Steve said afterwards “I have three weeks final preparation before Japan and I will be looking to improve on last year's race in France, won by Kenesa Bekele of Ethiopia”.

The other members of the Stockport Harriers' squad who were running for Greater Manchester in the junior races produced some solid performances.

Andy Nixon

The under-13 boys' pair Michael Logue and Harry Long ran 18th and 39th, the best ever finish at the Championships by Harriers' under-13 boys.

The under-15 girls' Greater Manchester team were led home by Harriers Leah Kay in 13th and another solid performance by Michelle Wiblin who made the top fifty.

Andy Nixon (above) was the second counter home for the Greater Manchester squad finishing 31st in the under-20 men's trial race.

Jess Coulson helped Greater Manchester to the team silver medals with a solid performance in finishing just outside the top twenty.

Jacob Corrigan made a return to racing after a long lay off with injury with a respectable 148th placing.

Jack leads County team home

Jack NixonJack Nixon led the Greater Manchester Schools' team home to victory at an Inter Counties match recently at Arrow Park, Bikenhead.

12-year-old Jack was 2nd in the under-13 boys' race, leading the team home to victory in his first representation for the county.

Ladies brave the cold in the Stafford 20

Ladies at the Stafford 20Some of the ladies' squad braved the cold in the Stafford 20 as part of their preparation for next month's London Marathon.

Jenny Murray led the ladies' field with Julia Myatt of Newcastle Staffs right on her heels. They were neck and neck till mile 19 when Julia broke away to win ahead of Jenny by 30 seconds.

Jenny said afterwards that her performance was enough to convince her that she will be in reasonable enough shape to run the London Marathon and try and help us gain a team medal.

Meanwhile Samantha Thomas 2-33, Sharon Glendon 2-40 and Karen McCrackle 2-38 all ran personal bests although Vicky Barrett had to pull out at 8 miles, affected by the severe cold.

Samantha had a real tussle with lady from Stafford but came out on top in her first 20 miler. Karen and Sharon also had excellent runs too follow up Samantha although Sharon picked up a knee injury at 17 miles and will need some physio to be ready for Wilmslow.

Jenny Knass didn't run due to a hip problem and decided to get it right before Wilmslow next week. Alice Dagg also had to withdraw after falling 30 foot off a rock face last Friday, fortunately nothing broken.

Wilmslow will see the biggest turnout of ladies at this event from Stockport Harriers while on the same day some will be at the Liverpool 1/2 Marathon which includes the AAA's championships.

The previous weekend saw some of the ladies' squad running the Trafford 10k as a little speed work for their London Marathon build up.

Jenny Knass ran a personal best with 38-02 to finish 8th in a high quality field, Karen McCrackle continued with her progression with a personal best of 43-23 along with Vicky Buckley 46-23 and Helen Todd 49-11.

Recent News