Derby Runner XC League – Allestree

Mud no handicap for Dominic
It was a relatively short journey to Allestree for the latest leg of the 2015/16 Derby Runner Cross Country League for the 28 competing members from South Derbyshire Road Runners. On a bright, dry morning, unsurprisingly the conditions were exceptionally heavy over a 6 mile course that was challenging enough even without the mud. Dominic Sharman, the current Men’s Club Champion, made light of the conditions, with a superb 8^th place finish in a very competitive race. Team wise he was ably supported by Andy Hawtin & Chris Pearson who both ran superbly to finish in 26^th & 40^th places respectively. Mark Harriott showed what a valuable recruit he’ll be as he finished in 57^th place before Simon Reynolds, who is in great form at the moment, crossed the line in 69^th place. There were also superb top 100 finishes for Christian Glover & Andy Orme in 96^th & 98^th places with Tom Eyre & Andy Windle breathing down their necks in 101^st & 105^th places respectively. Colin Mee, who regularly trains in the area, was next in 125^th with Ade Middleton not far behind in 129^th.   Dave Eyre & Glenn Smith both ran solidly for 160^th & 172^nd places with little separating Nigel Atkins & Paul Glover as their 182^nd & 186^th places confirm. The tightest inter-club battle though involved super-vet Ray Udall, James Cobb, Malcolm Moore & Stuart Reeves who were separated by seven places in 195^th, 197^th, 200^th& 202^nd places respectively. Mark Nixon ran well for 216^th place before Club stalwarts Steve Fowler & Richard Ward completed the Club’s finishers in the men’s race in 226^th & 228^th places.
Tracey Glover gave her usual maximum effort as she led the Club’s women home in 37^th place with great support from Lisa Wright in 56^th & Jenny Winter in 73^rd.   Karen Wilks ran well for 113^th place before Kat Smith & Club Chairman, Inge Moore, gave everything as they finished in 137^th & 142^nd places respectively.