The Nationals 2019 (Senior Men)

by Matt Spragg

National XC

“Where’s the mud?” cried the traditionalists as we arrived at Harewood House for the 2019 National Cross Country Championships. Completely dry ground, ridiculously warm weather and a magnificent setting all contributed to a memorable day.

Two long 6k laps for the two thousand or so men who assembled on the start line. And no mud meant faster running which, combined with the hills, meant that the race was as tough as always. The advice beforehand was to get a fast start to avoid any bottlenecks; all very well for those on the front row but for everyone else the first half mile was a frantic head-down shuffle, avoiding flailing arms and spikes until the field started to thin out.

Then the hills started - a long slog up to the back of the course (amazing views from here), before a steady downhill section which I hoped would take us back to the end of the lap; but no, the course went back up for a steep couple of hundred metres before a rapid descent down to the start/finish area.

So one more lap of the same. No letting up because any time you slowed down, a hundred people would overtake you. More of the punishing hills (no enjoying the views this time round) and then a seemingly endless sprint to the line.

Tremendous vocal support on the course from the SHM fans, with Dave and Brian popping up here and there to shout out their usual encouragement and words of wisdom.

Fantastic running all round, and great work towards the front of the field with Nigel Martin in an impressive 11th overall, with Luke, Callum, Gaz and Dan making up the fifth placed men’s team.

The fun wasn’t over as we faced an interminable struggle to get out of the car park and then through the traffic in Leeds – although the minibus crew weren’t complaining as Glenn Savage had come up with the goods, producing a crate of Old Speckled Hen to help pass the time.

The day ended with some still bemoaning the lack of mud as we tucked into a well-deserved curry back in Sale. It was a true privilege to represent Sale Harriers in such a prestigious event. Here’s to next year!

Position

Name

Time

11

Nigel Martin

37:43      

59

Luke Betts

39:10

65

Callum Rowlinson

39:16

83

Gareth Raven

39:42

100

Daniel Kashi

39:59

106

Matt Barnes

40:05

186

Phil Robertson

41:26

245

Ken Hunt

42:06

340

Sam Aspinwall

43:05

370

Alex Bradford

43:31

419

Chris Donnelly

43:55

469

Ben McIntyre

44:32

534

Richard Edwards

45:20

730

Matt Spragg

47:05

754

Paul Rowley

47:17

774

Olivier Gaillemin

47:27

956

Conor Donaghy

49:10

1066

Alastair Knockton

50:13

1076

Paul Barrett

50:22