Engilsh National Cross Country 2011

Yes I know it's not a fell race but yesterdays course was the closest I think a National Cross Country was going to get. Proper muddy it was, although in parts very sloppy mud, more akin to farmyard slurry but without the smell!

Things not looking good on the H&S front when part way through the event some of the juniors were being stretchered off the course on back boards with neck collars on. With the casualty list rising and the first aid tent full to bursting, the organisers decided to shorten the later courses to try and prevent further delays.

Upshot was that the womens course was downgraded to 3 x 2K laps of the top field, missing out the delicious-looking climb from the bottom field. Absolutely gutted, we'd have got two gos at this on the original course. Finished 428/552 on 37:25 (13 mins behind the winner), and first counter for Salford and 3 mins in front of my next team mate. We were two team mates short for a team. The others missed a treat!

My only previous appearance at a National Cross Country was in 2005 where I finished 415/451. If I remember correctly the grass was bowling green perfect!

TF