by Matt Spragg

“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 11^th 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!