MIDLAND WOMEN'S XC RELAYS ASTON UNIVERSITY SPORTS GROUND

8TH OCT. 2005

RACE REPORT.

This race seems to be jinxed at the moment regarding the weather, last year was appalling and this year was little better with driving rain starting right on cue and gradually increasing in intensity ensuring we all got soaked, at least the runners could get changed afterwards.

There was a seemingly interminable wait for the poor officials to unsuccessfully interpret sodden results until there was only the unfortunate recipients of prizes left in the building.

We had a brilliant turn out again with 13 runners competing in 4!/4teams, my delight only tempered by the difficulty in writing a report saying something interesting about everyone's run. If this trend continues I plan to start a points system where by you'll have fall over, lose a shoe, get bitten by a dog (that should score well), get lost, those sorts of thing will ensure a mention; Oh and running well.

In the A team, Josie Grey continued to improve despite still having injury niggles to come home in 2nd place just 30secs. behind Tipton. Amanda Wright had another inspired run with quickest leg of the day, and gave us a lead of about 50 secs. Tipton having used their weakest runner on this leg. Juliette Oldfield, off a 60mile week prior to running New York marathon, got the hospital pass again being chased by Hayley Jennings of Tipton, and Claire Martin of Telford. Sadly Hayley was just a bit too quick and took the lead towards the end of the 2nd lap, however Juliette held off the challenge from Claire to come home in 2nd place.

The girls were most put out that the men's prizes were alcohol based and they had to have cappuccino sets!

In the B team Clare Grice, who's running the Frankfurt Marathon in a few weeks, Cath mijovic, and Becky Sanders. all had fine runs to finish one spot off the medals in 4th place.

In the C team Rachel cook, Faye Manger, and suffering from being Ofsteded Michelle Tanner similarly ran well.

In the D team Emily Evans, despite not being able to see much with rain soaked specs. Louise Harman, who managed to combine her first race for us with her first race ever! and looks promising too, Claire Beaumont also making an excellent debut finished in position.

Last but not least Wendy Morant elegantly ran the one and only leg in the D team.

Times.

A team, Josie- 23:10. Amanda- 22:07. Juliette-23:42

B team, Clare- 23:35, Cath- 23:49, Becky- 23:18

C team Rachel-24:58. Faye- 23:52. Michelle- 28:12 

D team Emily- 31:07. Louise- 28:35. Claire- 31:52

E team Wendy- 33:17



Eddie Cockayne.