McCain Cross Country Challenge and European Trials
12 Woodford young athletes made the long trip to Liverpool and produced some encouraging results. The going underfoot was heavy in places after recent rain. Our best-placed athlete was Isabella Hoy, who produced a fine effort from over 100 starters to place 11th in the Under 15 girls race, just over 30 seconds down on the winner, Grace Copeland from Wimborne, Dorset. Just over a minute further back was Olivia Corbett, who has improved beyond all recognition this year since joining Woodford, for 55th in a high class field. Had Olivia been born one day later she would have contested the Under 13 girs race. 300/400 metre specialist Kyesha Robinson also raced, placing 70th, just 30 seconds behind Olivia.
In the Junior Womens race over 4.4K, which also incorporated the Under 17 Women, Jess Burgess had a fine run to place 35th, just 90 seconds behind winner Jessica Judd. As Jess has another two years in this age group one feels she could well make Team GB before that time is up. Alicia McArdell placed 54th in the Under 17 womens race, and she did well to complete the course as she twisted her ankle early on.
In the first race of day, the Under 11girls, we had three starters and they can feel proud of their achievements. Hollie McArdell, after a fine showing in the last Met League race, was sick the night before, but sportingly ran and should feel happy with 26th place, less than a minute behind the winner, Thompson from Carmarthan. Jessica McGorrell and Hollie Mill, just 8 years of age, made their debuts and can feel hugely satisfied with their placings. Both girls ran together for the entire race until Hollie was pushed to the ground 200 metres from home. Jessica placed 29th, also just 1 minute behind the winner over 2k, whilst Hollie was brave to finish rather muddy and shaken in 38th place. There were over 100 starters in this race.
Canaan Soloman competed in the Under 17 Mens race, also a large field, and should feel pleased with his placing of 25th, bearing in mind many of those in front of him were top year Under 17s.
In the Under 13 boys race, Hayden Maleary ran strongly throughout to come in 36th, just 90 seconds behind the winner.
In the Under 13 girls race, also over 3K, we had two starters. Siena Taylor was another to run well to place 38th, with Hannah Page declaring herself happy with an improved performance of 57th, just 30 seconds behind Siena.
So in the end a good day for our youngsters who enjoyed their adventure again competing against the best in the UK. One noticeable spectator there was former 1500 metres World Record holder and BBC commentator Steve Cram. Their efforts will now be directed towards the next Met League at Hillingdon in three weeks time. Again, a huge thanks to all parents who transported the athletes to Sefton Park.
NB: In the U23/Senior Men's race, Ed Shepherd finished 80th of 520 with many of the UK's top athletes battling for selection for the European XC Championships. He was disappointed with this, having run a good proportion of the race in around 30th before dying. But, as he says, the season is long. Ed has just signed an athletics scholarship contract with the University of San Francisco, so the future looks bright.