results 2212

KEVIN COUGHLAN

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Sunrise Trail Ultra – 10 December OTH

After a DNF last year, I was back for round 2 at the Sunrise ultra – 83.3 miles along the Norfolk Coast path from Snettisham to Great Yarmouth. The race started out fairly well – I had a good rhythm of run 50mins, walk 10mins, and was actually in the lead at the first checkpoint, continuing pretty strongly until the not quite half way checkpoint 3 at Cley (38 miles, where the ‘Half Ultra’ starts). After that, however, things became much more of a grind, as the energy sapped from my legs, and the mist set in, reducing visibility to just a few metres. Checkpoint 5 (64 miles) was probably the lowest point, and apparently the crew there thought I looked so terrible they considered pulling me from the race. Fortunately, they didn’t, and the sun was rising as I left. It actually felt good to be in the light again, and I managed to stumble the last 19 miles to the finish.

This race is very different, as you’re battling as much against the elements as the course itself. Whilst I’m definitely glad to get the finish, I don’t think I’ll be going back any time soon.

Warwickshire Cross-Country Championships – 10 December OTH

27 Northbrookers and numerous supporters turned up at the new location for the Warwickshire Cross-Country Championships. It was a cold but sunny day, with a hard frost still visible in the shaded places of the course. The course itself was a good cross-country course, 2 steep hill climbs per lap and 2 steep drops before the flat part of the course tested all the skills needed for xc. With new to the discipline Tom and some of the more mature heads we showed off all our abilities.

The women ran 2 laps 1st to show the men how to do it. From the start position you could see the whole course below you, spectating was easy as you had a key position at the top of the steep climbs, the finish being a slight incline to test that last burst of space required.

The men had 2.5 laps to complete and the front end was as fast as always, Northbrook showing our class on the fields and voices from our supporters pushing us up the steep inclines. A great performance by all. Well done Northbrook – Spencer

Centurion Grand Prix 5 Mile Race 2 – 4 December 5M

12 Northbrookers braved the cold at the last Centurion Grand Prix of the year in Birmingham, all looking for points towards their individual championships. With a reduced field of 73 the organisers were grateful for our support. With the relief of the gun going off that we could warm up the first lap was fast before settling down to our individual races. Matt was determined to hold on to Craig and Pete (new to the course and off colour was hanging onto Matt. The rest of us behind completed our own runs.

A great, fast course and really local that delivered yet again. Well done all – Spencer

Birmingham & District Invitation Cross-Country League Div 3 Race 2 at Welcombe Hills – 3 December OTH

24 brave men turned up on a dry but bitterly cold day, the wind cutting to the bone. 24 men, looking for the glory that goes with the sunburst on your chest, but the hills dwarfed us. As the start time drew close we stripped down, vests and short shorts everywhere, men huddled together for that little bit of warmth as you waited for the whistle to go. We had a couple of brave supporters out there to ensure we knew we would have to run harder if we were lacking positions. The team looked strong, even the fear in the eyes of those who had ran here before was subsiding for hope.

As the gun went off, the charge up the first big climb came, the rabbit holes and mounds determined to take a few ankles. The men cleared the top as the drop down the other side swept them back into the next climb. The sunbursts were rising over the hills. The encouragement being bellowed out from the supporters and fellow runners on the out and backs. Lap 2 claimed 2 of our runners, Tom with illness from his jabs (who knew that if you travel from Kidderminster to Stratford you need jabs) and Simon, the climbs claiming his glutes and hamstrings. Lap3 and the leaders were finishing before the tail end started, but each sunburst was out there pushing each other, dragging each other. the aim being to claim their own version of glory.

The top 6 were bouyed by the return of Matthew and Damien ensuring our points score was less for League race 2, all staying to shout and encourage us from the tail in as we kept the sunburst train coming through, 22 merry brothers in sunbursts. All gave everything they could out there, some even leaving the soles of their spikes out there, but all 22 ensured the sunburst was represented by the best we have.

Aldridge Airport next for both men and women and it’s flatter, but just as windy. Come on Northbrook we go again – Spencer

Full results on Bham League web site

Midland Women’s Cross-Country League Race 2 at Pittville Park, Cheltenham – 3 December OTH

Great turnout of 13 women ventured down to Pittville Park in Cheltenham for Race two of the Midlands Women’s League. A bright morning had turned grey by race time, but the Northbrook crew lit up the afternoon with more great performances.

An undulating and twisting course peppered with lots of short, sharp ups and steep muddy downs made for quite a gruelling course and for added spice two short stream crossings to delight the crowds of supporters.

Kathryn Adams led the team home, 33rd overall and 11th senior, Debbie Campbell was second and there was a welcome return after injury of Cath Fenn, a long term stalwart of cross country.

The team finished 10th overall and were 8th Masters team. That top 10 finish is still on. Shout out to Rob Cox who was our volunteer on the day, saving us valuable points – Sally