It was a lovely spring-like afternoon when Helen, Clare and I set off for Newbold Comyn Park for the Midland Counties Cross Country Race.  We met Linda, Kat and Sarah there, as well as Sarah’s family, who were to provide very welcome support along the route.  Dave Harte also joined us, as the sole male representative of Bournville Harriers.  At first glance the course looked good, quite flat, quite dry and only the one ‘mound’ as Linda had earlier informed me.  There were chips as well (the timing variety not the edible!)  Also I had spotted hoodies for sale, so I was thinking about some post race shopping… 

We set off and the course was quite convoluted.  A little surprise was in store with a small river jump in the second half of the race – very popular with the spectators although less so with the runners.  I was behind a tall person and by trying to follow her footsteps managed to escape most of the water.  Not everyone was so fortunate and there were a few at the end who appeared to have gone in headfirst and were covered top to toe in mud.  The end was upon us a bit sooner than expected and Barrie was a much appreciated sight cheering us all in.  We were able to watch the men start, and shout for Dave (as well as some of the members of my old club Long Eaton who had made the trip from Nottingham).  There were good performances by all, and Bournville Ladies finished 13^th out of 28 teams.  Goody bags were very welcome for refuelling, and up to Helen’s usual high standard, but I decided to leave the hoody till next time…. 

Marianne Hensman

Dave Harte's blog entry on the men's race here.  Individual results here.  Team results here.  Brian Smith's photos here of the women and here of the men.

Pos	Race No	Name	Time
58	1179	Marianne Hensman	00:26:27
59	1180	Linda Howell	00:26:28
69	1177	Clare Campbell	00:27:09
106	1176	Katherine Abbott	00:29:20
137	1182	Sarah Rock	00:31:37
142	1181	Helen Owen	00:31:59
Pos	Race No	Name	Time
193	1506	Dave Harte	00:52:33