Results from Vets XC Championships

29 November 2015 - By James Crisp

The Essex Vets XC Championships were held on Saturday at Abbey Fields, hosted by Colchester Harriers.

While it was nice not having to travel across the county to Hainault or Claybury, the course was not as challenging although having said that, the strong wind brought its own challenges around 3 laps of an open and deceptively undulating course.

The first race was the veteran women with the over 50 men. We didn’t have a V50 team but we did have 4 veteran women on the start line. First home in 27th place was in-form Liz Stuckey, who ran the course almost as fast as Wix 5. Brigid was next scorer in 40th place followed by Vicki Hunt in 46th. Not only was this Vicki’s first ever Essex Champs it was also her first taste of XC. Congratulations Vicki, we have broken you in gently!! Completing the team of 4 was Donna Morris in 58th. The women finished a creditable 8th out of 12 teams.

The V40 men’s race is always a high quality field and Saturday’s race was no different. Never think because you’re a veteran you start to slow down.

James Crisp, in his first Vets XC Champs lead our team of 8 men home storming to an impressive 27th, closely followed by Pete Riley in 28th. Leo was next in 46th with Stuart Mills, now in the Vets category, in 54th. This completed the Witham A team who were 9th overall.

The B team was led home by Tony Wallen in 61st place, Dave Smith 62nd, Alex Stuckey 63rd and Lee Pembroke 69th – a nicely packed team to finish in 10th position.

Well done to all 12 runners – a good turnout on a cold and windy morning.

Finally a big thank you to Wendy who was unable to run so marshalled on a windy corner throughout the two races.