Derby Runner XC League – Bagworth Heath

Fabulous Chapman Boys!
The field of 436 for the 3^rd leg of this winter’s Derby Runner Cross Country League at Bagworth Heath on Sunday lined up in almost spring like weather only to be brought back to reality by the ankle deep mud underfoot. The Club’s contingent were somewhat weakened by the absence of some top performers but this shouldn’t, in anyway, detract from some superb performances from those who made the start line. Leading the way in the men’s race were the ever improving Chapman boys with Shane first back with a superb 54^th place finish from Paul in 71^st. Shane covered the course, which was just over 5 miles, in a superb 32.30.  Next across the line, & showing a welcome return to form, was Chris Mason in 82^nd followed by the ever reliable Colin Mee in 89^th place. Making his debut for the Club in any form of racing Stuart Halsey ran brilliantly for 94^th place with Andy Orme just missing out on a top 100 finish in 101^st. Next to finish was another making his racing debut for the Club & Christian Glover should be really pleased with a well run 134^th place. Simon Reynolds again ran well for 141^st place followed by Adrian Middleton, who improved significantly from his last performance at Markfield with an excellent 165^th place to complete the team finishers. Fresh from running 5 consecutive PBs in the Conker’s Parkrun, the evergreen Steve Fowler was next in 204^th place with a tight battle between Gary Price & Malcolm Moore resulting in Gary just edging it in 210^th to Malcolm’s 211th. Dave Renshaw, making his first appearance of the season, completed the finishers in the men’s race in 255^th place.
In what was probably the best Club performance of the day, Jennie Laing continues to make her mark on the local running scene, with a superb 6^th place in a time of 35.38 in the women’s race.  Jennie was followed home by yet another cross country debutant, Tracey Glover, who ran really strongly for 57^th place. Completing the Club’s finishers in the women’s race was Sam Skidmore who reveled in the muddy conditions for a very respectable 88^th place finish.