Mason leads the way!

In truly atrocious conditions Chris Mason continued his good recent form to be first finisher for South Derbyshire Road Runners in the 4th leg of this year’s Derby Runner Cross Country League at Foremark Reservoir on Sunday.
Lining up with 294 other hardy souls in incessant rain Mason just managed to get the better of club mates Colin Mee and Chris Gunstone after a close fought battle over the 5.5 mile, 2 lap course. Finishing positions of 53 rd, 59th and 60th respectively indicate how close the contest was. Mason’s run also confirmed his position as 1st MV60 across the series.
Paul McKay used all of his experience to battle through the mud for 93rd place getting the better of younger, but improving colleagues, Andy Orme and Gavin Horton in 102nd and 122nd places. Malcolm Moore was next home in 127th before a really close battle between Adrian Middleton and Dave Renshaw in 145th and 147th places respectively. Steve Fowler completed the finishers for the Club with a hard fought 156th place finish.
The early part of the year has been a really busy time for many runners with Louise Insley and Chris Mason competing last Sunday in the re-arranged Midland Masters Cross Country Championship in Wolverhampton. Over a 6k course Insley ran well to take the bronze medal in 26.09 and 8th place overall behind England age group international, Kate Ramsey. Over an 8k course Mason’s 34.16 and 26th place was good enough for 1st place in the MV60 category.
Next Sunday is the penultimate race in the Derby Runner Cross Country series at Fosse Meadow, Market Bosworth. Meet Green Bank Leisure Centre car park for 09.30 departure.