13 days to be precise! Round 2 of the series takes place at Crossags Farm, Ramsey on Sunday 11th November, with racing getting under way at 2pm. Sign on from 1.15pm. If you competed in Round 1 at Nobles Park, PLEASE DON’T FORGET TO KEEP YOUR RACE NUMBER!! You keep your number for the full series. This round is promoted by Northern AC, where a warm welcome is always guaranteed from Steve Kelly and the gang.
For those unfamiliar with the location of the course, Crossags can be accessed via a lane off Lezayre Road. If travelling from the south, follow the TT Course to just a few metres before you get to Schoolhouse Corner in Ramsey, then turn right into the narrow tarmac lane. If coming from the Parliament Square direction, turn left immediately after the right hand bend just beyond the school buildings. Follow the lane for a little over a quarter of a mile across the golf course before turning left at a gate, beyond which is a car parking area. Signing on for the race is at the pavilion, where there are also toilets, changing rooms and showers.
Don’t forget the new scoring system for this winter’s series. There are only 5 rounds rather than 6, with double points being awarded for Round 4 (which includes the IOM Championships). This means that if you missed the opening race at Nobles Park, you HAVE to do Round 4 (which is also at Crossags, on 20th January) plus at least one other round to qualify for the series. If you miss Round 4, you must complete all the other four rounds. So get 20th January in your diary now if it isn’t already!
I will leave my fellow cross country blogger Andy Fox to give you a course description of Crossags!
Finally, congratulations to two of our young cross country running stars Gemma and Sarah Astin on more success in the UK last Saturday. They were competing in the Birmingham Cross Challenge event at Sennelly’s Park, where Gemma finished 2nd in the Under 17 Women’s race and Sarah was 4th in the Under 15 Girls. Although there was a disappointingly small field for the event (which is not part of the UK Cross Challenge series this season), Gemma and Sarah were still up against some of the best athletes in the country in their age groups. It will set them up nicely for the big races to come during the course of the season.
Monday 29 October 2007
Thursday 18 October 2007
Nobles Park Report
The 2007/08 Manx Gas Cross Challenge series got under way in warm and sunny conditions at Noble’s Park in Douglas on Sunday. Although numbers were down in comparison to last year’s event (partly explained by the absence of several cross country regulars competing in a fell race in the UK), there was still a healthy turn-out of 105 competitors in all categories.
Defending champion and 2007 Island Games star John Halligan showed that he was in no mood to relinquish his title, taking a well-controlled win in the Senior/Veteran Men’s race. He had to work hard to shake off a determined challenge from Kevin Loundes, who continues to improve with every race. There was nothing between the two Manx Harriers men on the first two laps of the undulating Nobles Park course, but Halligan used his strength on the uphill sections to edge away from his rival on lap 3 before consolidating his lead on the 4th and final circuit. Nigel Armstrong followed his victory in the Western 10 road race the previous week with another fine run to take 3rd place ahead of Gianni Epifani. The latter man has been concentrating on cycling in recent months but showed that he is still a force to be reckoned with without the help of two wheels. Perhaps the most remarkable performance of the day came from visiting athlete Steve James, who finished in 16th place out of 28 finishers. Not bad for a man who will celebrate his 70th birthday next year!
Victory in the 3-lap Senior/Veteran Ladies’ race went to Gail Griffiths by a 31-second margin from Sarah Nelson, with whom she shared last season’s title. The two Manx Harriers team-mates look set for another winter of close rivalry over the country. Estonian Marit Zahkna made up for the disappointment of her country’s footballing defeat to England the previous day with an excellent run to take 3rd place.
There was exciting racing and some very fine performances throughout the younger age groups. Gemma Astin continued her superb year with a performance of true quality to win the Under 17 Girls category. Only a few of the Senior Men were ahead of her at the end of her 2 laps. Gemma’s sister Sarah Astin won the Under 15 Girls race with a typically classy run in her first race for six months. The 2006/07 UK Cross Challenge champion ran as well as ever on her comeback from an injury that wrecked her summer season.
In the Under 13 class, Adam Young just edged out Jack Garrett in a spectacular sprint at the end of the Boys race, whilst Alexandra Ross had a rather more comfortable win over Sinead Kaneen in the Girls’ race.
Will Morris continued his terrific form from last season by winning the Under 11 Boys race in fine style, and Rebecca Nathan just held off a brave challenge from Katie Astin to take victory the Under 11 Girls category.
The closest finish of the day came in the Under 9 Boys race, Patrick Cox just getting the better of Conor Davies in an exciting sprint finish. Both boys were credited with the same time. Both were, however, beaten on time by great performances from Aimee Cringle and Danielle Barton who took 1st and 2nd in the Under 9 Girls race, with Ruth Nathan hot on their heels.
Other class winners were Ben Brand (Junior Men) and Jack Leece (Under 17 Boys).
There was once again a Short Course race option, particularly suitable for newcomers to cross country or short-distance specialists looking to work on their endurance over the winter. The first three finishers all fall into the latter category after enjoying excellent seasons on the track – Conor Delanbanque, Michael Haslett and David Munro.
Thanks go the IOM Veteran Athletes Club and all the officials for putting on a most enjoyable afternoon of cross country racing. Round 2 will be hosted by Northern AC at Crossags Farm, Ramsey, on Sunday 11th November with racing getting under way at 2pm. All are welcome.
Defending champion and 2007 Island Games star John Halligan showed that he was in no mood to relinquish his title, taking a well-controlled win in the Senior/Veteran Men’s race. He had to work hard to shake off a determined challenge from Kevin Loundes, who continues to improve with every race. There was nothing between the two Manx Harriers men on the first two laps of the undulating Nobles Park course, but Halligan used his strength on the uphill sections to edge away from his rival on lap 3 before consolidating his lead on the 4th and final circuit. Nigel Armstrong followed his victory in the Western 10 road race the previous week with another fine run to take 3rd place ahead of Gianni Epifani. The latter man has been concentrating on cycling in recent months but showed that he is still a force to be reckoned with without the help of two wheels. Perhaps the most remarkable performance of the day came from visiting athlete Steve James, who finished in 16th place out of 28 finishers. Not bad for a man who will celebrate his 70th birthday next year!
Victory in the 3-lap Senior/Veteran Ladies’ race went to Gail Griffiths by a 31-second margin from Sarah Nelson, with whom she shared last season’s title. The two Manx Harriers team-mates look set for another winter of close rivalry over the country. Estonian Marit Zahkna made up for the disappointment of her country’s footballing defeat to England the previous day with an excellent run to take 3rd place.
There was exciting racing and some very fine performances throughout the younger age groups. Gemma Astin continued her superb year with a performance of true quality to win the Under 17 Girls category. Only a few of the Senior Men were ahead of her at the end of her 2 laps. Gemma’s sister Sarah Astin won the Under 15 Girls race with a typically classy run in her first race for six months. The 2006/07 UK Cross Challenge champion ran as well as ever on her comeback from an injury that wrecked her summer season.
In the Under 13 class, Adam Young just edged out Jack Garrett in a spectacular sprint at the end of the Boys race, whilst Alexandra Ross had a rather more comfortable win over Sinead Kaneen in the Girls’ race.
Will Morris continued his terrific form from last season by winning the Under 11 Boys race in fine style, and Rebecca Nathan just held off a brave challenge from Katie Astin to take victory the Under 11 Girls category.
The closest finish of the day came in the Under 9 Boys race, Patrick Cox just getting the better of Conor Davies in an exciting sprint finish. Both boys were credited with the same time. Both were, however, beaten on time by great performances from Aimee Cringle and Danielle Barton who took 1st and 2nd in the Under 9 Girls race, with Ruth Nathan hot on their heels.
Other class winners were Ben Brand (Junior Men) and Jack Leece (Under 17 Boys).
There was once again a Short Course race option, particularly suitable for newcomers to cross country or short-distance specialists looking to work on their endurance over the winter. The first three finishers all fall into the latter category after enjoying excellent seasons on the track – Conor Delanbanque, Michael Haslett and David Munro.
Thanks go the IOM Veteran Athletes Club and all the officials for putting on a most enjoyable afternoon of cross country racing. Round 2 will be hosted by Northern AC at Crossags Farm, Ramsey, on Sunday 11th November with racing getting under way at 2pm. All are welcome.
Sunday 14 October 2007
Results from Nobles Park
Below are the results from this afternoon's first round of the Manx Gas Cross Challenge at Nobles Park. If you see anything you feel is obviously wrong please email me at griffmuss@manx.net or telephone 801341 or 485855.
Rather concerning to note a big drop in numbers compared with the same event a year ago. 150 last year, 105 this year - although this can be partly explained by a number of cross country regulars being away competing in a fell race in the UK this weekend.
Senior/Vet Men
Pos No Name Club/School Cat Time
1 190 John Halligan Manx Harriers SM 35.04
2 230 Kevin Loundes Manx Harriers SM 35.28
3 206 Nigel Armstrong Manx Harriers V35 36.33
4 200 Gianni Epifani Manx Harriers V35 36.49
5 197 Mike Garrett Manx Harriers V35 37.09
6 231 Ed Gumbley Manx Harriers SM 37.31
7 212 Andy Fox Manx Harriers V45 38.10
8 205 Darren Gray Manx Harriers SM 38.27
9 193 Peter Kaneen Manx Harriers V45 39.46
10 220 Russell Collister Manx Harriers V40 40.29
11 221 Paul Lewthwaite Manx Fell Runners SM 40.46
12 222 James Broughton Northern AC V35 40.57
13 229 Dave Newton Manx Harriers V50 42.45
14 218 Michael George Manx Harriers V40 43.11
15 195 Phil Cain Manx Harriers V50 44.10
16 211 Steve James Southport Waterloo AC V65 44.30
17 198 Andy Gosland Manx Tri Club V40 44.57
18 201 Dave Collister Manx Fell Runners V40 45.32
19 215 Lewis Veale IOMVAC V35 45.34
20 192 Barry Moore Western AC V35 47.17
21 199 Les Brown Manx Harriers V55 47.44
22 202 Kevin Groom U/A V45 48.35
23 210 Ian Callister Manx Harriers V50 48.57
24 204 Alan Pilling IOMVAC V55 50.09
25 225 Doug Corkill Manx Harriers V55 51.37
26 223 Geoff Hall Western AC V55 53.38
27 228 Robbie Lambden Manx Harriers SM 68.45
28 227 Murray Lambden Manx Harriers V50 68.54
DNF 203 Peter Pierce IOMVAC V35 DNF
DNF 208 Peter Cooper IOMVAC V55 DNF
Senior/Vet Ladies
Pos No Name Club/School Cat Time
1 196 Gail Griffiths Manx Harriers VL40 32.44
2 226 Sarah Nelson Manx Harriers SL 33.15
3 191 Marit Zahkna U/A SL 35.34
4 224 Elizabeth Corran Manx Harriers VL50 38.43
5 213 Julie Cretney U/A VL40 38.58
6 194 Ann Cain Manx Harriers VL45 39.04
7 207 Bethany Clague IOMVAC VL35 41.29
Junior Men
Pos No Name Club/School Cat Time
1 217 Ben Brand Manx Harriers JM 33.11
Short Course
Pos No Name Club/School Cat Time
1 174 Conor Delanbanque Manx Harriers U17B 12.51
2 216 Michael Haslett Manx Harriers JM 13.03
3 175 David Munro Manx Harriers U17B 13.43
4 285 Adrian Harrison Manx Harriers V35 13.58
5 287 Andrew Cowley Manx Harriers SM 16.43
6 283 Eric Lee Western AC V45 17.06
7 286 June Collister U/A VL40 17.07
8 281 Sarah Dowling Manx Harriers SL 17.11
9 289 Gemma Green U/A SL 17.14
10 288 Moira Hall Western AC VL55 18.43
11 209 Gary Smith Western AC V40 19.24
12 282 Lucy Veale U/A VL35 19.58
Under 17 Boys
Pos No Name Club/School Cat Time
1 172 Jack Leece U17B 44.37
Under 17 Girls
Pos No Name Club/School Cat Time
1 171 Gemma Astin Manx Harriers U17G 19.25
2 173 Rachael Franklin Manx Harriers U17G 23.11
Under 15 Girls
Pos No Name Club/School Cat Time
1 159 Sarah Astin Manx Harriers U15G 12.54
2 162 Caitriona Cox Manx Harriers U15G 15.17
3 158 Maxine Smalley Western AC U15G 15.32
4 156 Polly Rogerson Manx Harriers U15G 16.03
5 161 Fay Latham Manx Harriers U15G 16.39
6 160 Penny Crookshank Northern AC U15G 17.05
7 157 Ciara Beattie Manx Harriers U15G 18.26
Under 13 Boys
Pos No Name Club/School Cat Time
1 129 Adam Young Manx Harriers U13B 9.34
2 130 Jack Garrett Manx Harriers U13B 9.35
3 122 Shaun Moore Western AC U13B 9.57
4 123 Richard Radcliffe Manx Harriers U13B 10.13
5 124 Alex Price Manx Harriers U13B 10.146 12
6 Adam Cowin Manx Harriers U13B 10.42
7 120 Jake Nathan Manx Harriers U13B 10.42
8 125 Luke Smith Western AC U13B 11.01
9 121 Jason Moore Western AC U13B 11.29
10 128 Jordan Lee Western AC U13B 12.52
11 127 Fergus Veale Castle Rushen U13B 13.44
Under 13 Girls
Pos No Name Club/School Cat Time
1 102 Alexandra Ross Manx Harriers U13G 11.10
2 101 Sinead Kaneen Manx Harriers U13G 11.46
3 100 Clara Nathan Manx Harriers U13G 12.01
4 103 Hannah Kelly Manx Harriers U13G 13.50
5 104 Holly McGarrigle Ballakermeen U13G 14.12
Under 11 Boys
Pos No Name Club/School Cat Time
1 52 Will Morris Western AC U11B 7.10
2 57 Terence George Manx Harriers U11B 7.45
3 56 Owen Dudley Manx Harriers U11B 8.02
4 55 Conor Caley Western AC U11B 8.08
5 54 Harvey Neale Arbory U11B 8.36
6 51 Tom Kennaugh Arbory U11B 9.35
DNF 53 Grant Thomson U11B DNF
Under 11 Girls
Pos No Name Club/School Cat Time
1 77 Rebecca Nathan Manx Harriers U11G 7.29
2 78 Katie Astin Manx Harriers U11G 7.34
3 80 Josie McGarrigle Manx Harriers U11G 8.44
4 79 Olivia Helmer Western AC U11G 8.44
5 81 Daisy McGarrigle Ballacottier U11G 8.46
6 82 Alicia Oates Northern AC U11G 9.18
7 76 Darcy Jones Manx Harriers U11G 9.58
Under 9 Boys
Pos No Name Club/School Cat Time
1 30 Patrick Cox Manx Harriers U9B 3.42
2 27 Conor Davies Cronk-y-Berry U9B 3.42
3 29 Brandon Atchison Manx Harriers U9B 4.00
4 33 Jacob Brand Manx Harriers U9B 4.15
5 26 Kealan Beattie Cronk-y-Berry U9B 4.21
6 32 Lewis Kelly Manx Harriers U9B 4.32
7 31 Patrick Knight Laxey U9B 4.47
8 34 Tom Partington Manx Harriers U9B 4.48
9 28 Dylan Groom Cronk-y-Berry U9B 6.25
Under 9 Girls
Pos No Name Club/School Cat Time
1 3 Aimee Cringle Western AC U9G 3.37
2 1 Danielle Barton Manx Harriers U9G 3.40
3 2 Ruth Nathan Manx Harriers U9G 3.44
4 5 Anna Clarke-Smith Manx Harriers U9G 3.52
5 4 Amy Smith Western AC U9G 4.23
6 6 Ellie Harrison Murrays Road U9G 6.09
Rather concerning to note a big drop in numbers compared with the same event a year ago. 150 last year, 105 this year - although this can be partly explained by a number of cross country regulars being away competing in a fell race in the UK this weekend.
Senior/Vet Men
Pos No Name Club/School Cat Time
1 190 John Halligan Manx Harriers SM 35.04
2 230 Kevin Loundes Manx Harriers SM 35.28
3 206 Nigel Armstrong Manx Harriers V35 36.33
4 200 Gianni Epifani Manx Harriers V35 36.49
5 197 Mike Garrett Manx Harriers V35 37.09
6 231 Ed Gumbley Manx Harriers SM 37.31
7 212 Andy Fox Manx Harriers V45 38.10
8 205 Darren Gray Manx Harriers SM 38.27
9 193 Peter Kaneen Manx Harriers V45 39.46
10 220 Russell Collister Manx Harriers V40 40.29
11 221 Paul Lewthwaite Manx Fell Runners SM 40.46
12 222 James Broughton Northern AC V35 40.57
13 229 Dave Newton Manx Harriers V50 42.45
14 218 Michael George Manx Harriers V40 43.11
15 195 Phil Cain Manx Harriers V50 44.10
16 211 Steve James Southport Waterloo AC V65 44.30
17 198 Andy Gosland Manx Tri Club V40 44.57
18 201 Dave Collister Manx Fell Runners V40 45.32
19 215 Lewis Veale IOMVAC V35 45.34
20 192 Barry Moore Western AC V35 47.17
21 199 Les Brown Manx Harriers V55 47.44
22 202 Kevin Groom U/A V45 48.35
23 210 Ian Callister Manx Harriers V50 48.57
24 204 Alan Pilling IOMVAC V55 50.09
25 225 Doug Corkill Manx Harriers V55 51.37
26 223 Geoff Hall Western AC V55 53.38
27 228 Robbie Lambden Manx Harriers SM 68.45
28 227 Murray Lambden Manx Harriers V50 68.54
DNF 203 Peter Pierce IOMVAC V35 DNF
DNF 208 Peter Cooper IOMVAC V55 DNF
Senior/Vet Ladies
Pos No Name Club/School Cat Time
1 196 Gail Griffiths Manx Harriers VL40 32.44
2 226 Sarah Nelson Manx Harriers SL 33.15
3 191 Marit Zahkna U/A SL 35.34
4 224 Elizabeth Corran Manx Harriers VL50 38.43
5 213 Julie Cretney U/A VL40 38.58
6 194 Ann Cain Manx Harriers VL45 39.04
7 207 Bethany Clague IOMVAC VL35 41.29
Junior Men
Pos No Name Club/School Cat Time
1 217 Ben Brand Manx Harriers JM 33.11
Short Course
Pos No Name Club/School Cat Time
1 174 Conor Delanbanque Manx Harriers U17B 12.51
2 216 Michael Haslett Manx Harriers JM 13.03
3 175 David Munro Manx Harriers U17B 13.43
4 285 Adrian Harrison Manx Harriers V35 13.58
5 287 Andrew Cowley Manx Harriers SM 16.43
6 283 Eric Lee Western AC V45 17.06
7 286 June Collister U/A VL40 17.07
8 281 Sarah Dowling Manx Harriers SL 17.11
9 289 Gemma Green U/A SL 17.14
10 288 Moira Hall Western AC VL55 18.43
11 209 Gary Smith Western AC V40 19.24
12 282 Lucy Veale U/A VL35 19.58
Under 17 Boys
Pos No Name Club/School Cat Time
1 172 Jack Leece U17B 44.37
Under 17 Girls
Pos No Name Club/School Cat Time
1 171 Gemma Astin Manx Harriers U17G 19.25
2 173 Rachael Franklin Manx Harriers U17G 23.11
Under 15 Girls
Pos No Name Club/School Cat Time
1 159 Sarah Astin Manx Harriers U15G 12.54
2 162 Caitriona Cox Manx Harriers U15G 15.17
3 158 Maxine Smalley Western AC U15G 15.32
4 156 Polly Rogerson Manx Harriers U15G 16.03
5 161 Fay Latham Manx Harriers U15G 16.39
6 160 Penny Crookshank Northern AC U15G 17.05
7 157 Ciara Beattie Manx Harriers U15G 18.26
Under 13 Boys
Pos No Name Club/School Cat Time
1 129 Adam Young Manx Harriers U13B 9.34
2 130 Jack Garrett Manx Harriers U13B 9.35
3 122 Shaun Moore Western AC U13B 9.57
4 123 Richard Radcliffe Manx Harriers U13B 10.13
5 124 Alex Price Manx Harriers U13B 10.146 12
6 Adam Cowin Manx Harriers U13B 10.42
7 120 Jake Nathan Manx Harriers U13B 10.42
8 125 Luke Smith Western AC U13B 11.01
9 121 Jason Moore Western AC U13B 11.29
10 128 Jordan Lee Western AC U13B 12.52
11 127 Fergus Veale Castle Rushen U13B 13.44
Under 13 Girls
Pos No Name Club/School Cat Time
1 102 Alexandra Ross Manx Harriers U13G 11.10
2 101 Sinead Kaneen Manx Harriers U13G 11.46
3 100 Clara Nathan Manx Harriers U13G 12.01
4 103 Hannah Kelly Manx Harriers U13G 13.50
5 104 Holly McGarrigle Ballakermeen U13G 14.12
Under 11 Boys
Pos No Name Club/School Cat Time
1 52 Will Morris Western AC U11B 7.10
2 57 Terence George Manx Harriers U11B 7.45
3 56 Owen Dudley Manx Harriers U11B 8.02
4 55 Conor Caley Western AC U11B 8.08
5 54 Harvey Neale Arbory U11B 8.36
6 51 Tom Kennaugh Arbory U11B 9.35
DNF 53 Grant Thomson U11B DNF
Under 11 Girls
Pos No Name Club/School Cat Time
1 77 Rebecca Nathan Manx Harriers U11G 7.29
2 78 Katie Astin Manx Harriers U11G 7.34
3 80 Josie McGarrigle Manx Harriers U11G 8.44
4 79 Olivia Helmer Western AC U11G 8.44
5 81 Daisy McGarrigle Ballacottier U11G 8.46
6 82 Alicia Oates Northern AC U11G 9.18
7 76 Darcy Jones Manx Harriers U11G 9.58
Under 9 Boys
Pos No Name Club/School Cat Time
1 30 Patrick Cox Manx Harriers U9B 3.42
2 27 Conor Davies Cronk-y-Berry U9B 3.42
3 29 Brandon Atchison Manx Harriers U9B 4.00
4 33 Jacob Brand Manx Harriers U9B 4.15
5 26 Kealan Beattie Cronk-y-Berry U9B 4.21
6 32 Lewis Kelly Manx Harriers U9B 4.32
7 31 Patrick Knight Laxey U9B 4.47
8 34 Tom Partington Manx Harriers U9B 4.48
9 28 Dylan Groom Cronk-y-Berry U9B 6.25
Under 9 Girls
Pos No Name Club/School Cat Time
1 3 Aimee Cringle Western AC U9G 3.37
2 1 Danielle Barton Manx Harriers U9G 3.40
3 2 Ruth Nathan Manx Harriers U9G 3.44
4 5 Anna Clarke-Smith Manx Harriers U9G 3.52
5 4 Amy Smith Western AC U9G 4.23
6 6 Ellie Harrison Murrays Road U9G 6.09
Thursday 11 October 2007
Looking back to last year
Just as a matter of interest (because a year is a long time in athletics!) I thought it may be of interest to re-publish the full results of last year’s Nobles Park event, together with times. It will give you an idea of roughly how long you can expect to run for, although I don’t know what the distances are. I am assuming that the courses for each race will be more or less the same as last year.
I’ll bet that when you look through the list, you’ll find yourself saying ‘Blimey, I don’t remember him/her doing cross country last year’!
I was intending to post the list below. Unfortunately I'm new to this blogging lark and can't for the life of me work out how to format it in a readable fashion despite trying for all of 5 minutes! So you'll have to make do with a link to Graham's site which lists all the results for last season. For the Noble's Park results, scroll down to about three quarters of the way down the page:
http://www.iomathletics.co.uk/2006.htm
The link below will take you to Ian Astin's photo collection from the same event:
http://www.ianastin.fotopic.net/c1111403.html
I’ll bet that when you look through the list, you’ll find yourself saying ‘Blimey, I don’t remember him/her doing cross country last year’!
I was intending to post the list below. Unfortunately I'm new to this blogging lark and can't for the life of me work out how to format it in a readable fashion despite trying for all of 5 minutes! So you'll have to make do with a link to Graham's site which lists all the results for last season. For the Noble's Park results, scroll down to about three quarters of the way down the page:
http://www.iomathletics.co.uk/2006.htm
The link below will take you to Ian Astin's photo collection from the same event:
http://www.ianastin.fotopic.net/c1111403.html
Tuesday 9 October 2007
5 days to go...
On reflection, I wish I hadn’t promised to speculate on who may go well in this winter’s series – for the simple reason that I have absolutely no idea who is intending to take part in cross country this winter! Nor do I know which age categories many of the young athletes are going to be in this season. So as a starting point, here is a list of last season’s Manx Gas Cross Challenge champions:
Manx Gas Cross Challenge champions 2006/07
Senior/Vet Men – John Halligan
Junior Men – Andrew Newton
Under 17 Boys – Ryan Fairclough
Under 15 Boys – Conor Delanbanque
Under 13 Boys – Jack Garrett
Under 11 Boys – Shaun Moore
Under 9 Boys – Will Morris
Senior/Vet Ladies – Sarah Nelson & Gail Griffiths (tie)
Junior Ladies – N/A
Under 17 Girls – N/A
Under 15 Girls – Gemma Astin
Under 13 Girls – Sarah Astin
Under 11 Girls – Alice Ashe
Under 9 Girls – Katie Astin
Short Course – Barry Moore
As far as the senior athletes are concerned, it may well be ‘more of the same’ this year. If John Halligan completes the series it is hard to see anyone beating him, although several may put him under more pressure than in recent seasons. Ed Gumbley, Kevin Loundes, Darren Gray, Andy Fox, Tony Okell, Paul Sheard, Simon Skillicorn, Nigel Armstrong, Mike Garrett, Andy Cannell, Paul Clarke, Steve Partington, Gianni Epifani, Tom Cringle, Russell Collister – all of these (and no doubt others too!) are capable of mounting a strong challenge if they opt for the fun and the mud of cross country this winter. Of all the names mentioned, I think Simon Skillicorn is perhaps the most likely to challenge John after enjoying another superb year on the fells.
Sarah Nelson and Gail Griffiths shared the ladies title last year with 3 wins apiece and are likely to continue their close rivalry this winter. With Samantha Cowen having left the island and Dawn Yates not doing much running at present, any serious challenge to these two would probably have to come from new or returning competitors – perhaps one of the Island Games triathletes, or Cal Partington if she returns to cross country this season.
The junior classes are even harder to predict as there are likely to be lots of new faces and many of last year’s competitors will have moved up an age group. Several of last year’s cross country runners enjoyed a tremendous season on the track and it will be interesting to see if the likes of Ryan Fairclough, Tom Richmond, Conor Delanbanque, Gemma Astin and Rachael Franklin can go as well on the mud as they went on the track this summer. It will also be great to see Sarah Astin back in racing action for the first time since April after an injury completely ruined her summer season.
Last year, there was a tremendous turn-out for the first round at Nobles Park, with no fewer than 150 taking part in all categories. Let’s hope for an equally good attendance this time! There is always great enthusiasm in the younger age groups with lots of families getting involved in the fun.
Don’t forget to download your entry form from http://www.manxathletics.com/manxharriers/MGXCENTRY.PDF
More in a couple of days…
Manx Gas Cross Challenge champions 2006/07
Senior/Vet Men – John Halligan
Junior Men – Andrew Newton
Under 17 Boys – Ryan Fairclough
Under 15 Boys – Conor Delanbanque
Under 13 Boys – Jack Garrett
Under 11 Boys – Shaun Moore
Under 9 Boys – Will Morris
Senior/Vet Ladies – Sarah Nelson & Gail Griffiths (tie)
Junior Ladies – N/A
Under 17 Girls – N/A
Under 15 Girls – Gemma Astin
Under 13 Girls – Sarah Astin
Under 11 Girls – Alice Ashe
Under 9 Girls – Katie Astin
Short Course – Barry Moore
As far as the senior athletes are concerned, it may well be ‘more of the same’ this year. If John Halligan completes the series it is hard to see anyone beating him, although several may put him under more pressure than in recent seasons. Ed Gumbley, Kevin Loundes, Darren Gray, Andy Fox, Tony Okell, Paul Sheard, Simon Skillicorn, Nigel Armstrong, Mike Garrett, Andy Cannell, Paul Clarke, Steve Partington, Gianni Epifani, Tom Cringle, Russell Collister – all of these (and no doubt others too!) are capable of mounting a strong challenge if they opt for the fun and the mud of cross country this winter. Of all the names mentioned, I think Simon Skillicorn is perhaps the most likely to challenge John after enjoying another superb year on the fells.
Sarah Nelson and Gail Griffiths shared the ladies title last year with 3 wins apiece and are likely to continue their close rivalry this winter. With Samantha Cowen having left the island and Dawn Yates not doing much running at present, any serious challenge to these two would probably have to come from new or returning competitors – perhaps one of the Island Games triathletes, or Cal Partington if she returns to cross country this season.
The junior classes are even harder to predict as there are likely to be lots of new faces and many of last year’s competitors will have moved up an age group. Several of last year’s cross country runners enjoyed a tremendous season on the track and it will be interesting to see if the likes of Ryan Fairclough, Tom Richmond, Conor Delanbanque, Gemma Astin and Rachael Franklin can go as well on the mud as they went on the track this summer. It will also be great to see Sarah Astin back in racing action for the first time since April after an injury completely ruined her summer season.
Last year, there was a tremendous turn-out for the first round at Nobles Park, with no fewer than 150 taking part in all categories. Let’s hope for an equally good attendance this time! There is always great enthusiasm in the younger age groups with lots of families getting involved in the fun.
Don’t forget to download your entry form from http://www.manxathletics.com/manxharriers/MGXCENTRY.PDF
More in a couple of days…
Sunday 7 October 2007
Let the fun commence!
Less than a week now until the first real sign that winter is not too far away - the start of the Manx Gas Cross Challenge series.
There are 5 rounds this season, all taking place on Sunday afternoons as follows:
Round 1 - 14th October 2007 – Nobles Park, Douglas (IOMVAC)
Round 2 - 11th November 2007 – Crossags Farm, Ramsey (Northern AC)
Round 3 - 9th December 2007 – Glen Lough, Glen Vine (Western AC)
Round 4 & IOM Championships - 20th January 2008 – Crossags Farm, Ramsey (Northern AC)
Round 5 - 3rd February 2008 – Pulrose Golf Course, Douglas (Manx Harriers)
The starting time for all rounds will be 2pm unless otherwise advised. You should aim to check in at least 30 minutes before the start time - preferably more for the 1st Round as you will need to complete and hand in your entry form for the series. You can download a form by clicking on http://www.manxathletics.com/manxharriers/MGXCENTRY.PDF
DOUBLE POINTS WILL BE AWARDED FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND AT CROSSAGS ON 20TH JANUARY – so make sure that one is in your diary now! It is hoped that this change will help to raise the profile of the IOM Championships further as it will also be very important for competitors to do this round for their league placings.
As in previous years, the best 4 rounds will count for the league, which means that to qualify you have to do either:
1 – The Championship Round (which counts as 2) plus a minimum of 2 other rounds, or
2 – If you miss the Championship Round you would have to do all the other 4.
The scoring system in each round will be 50 points for the winner, 49 for 2nd place, 48 for 3rd place etc. For the Championship Round the winner will get 100 points, 2nd place 98 points, 3rd place 96 points etc. The competitor with the highest points total from their best 4 races in the series will be the winner in each category.
There are races for the following age categories:
Senior/Vet Men
Senior/Vet Ladies
Junior Men
Junior Ladies
Under 17 Boys & Girls
Under 15 Boys & Girls
Under 13 Boys & Girls
Under 11 Boys & Girls
Under 9 Boys & Girls
As in previous years there will also be a 'Short Course' race option for Senior, Veteran, Junior and Under 17 Men and Ladies. This may be suitable for newcomers to cross country, or perhaps track athletes who are not distance runners but wish to use cross country as a means to build endurance over the winter. It may also be suitable for ageing has-beens who may be considering a comeback to cross country after an absence of many years!
ALL ARE WELCOME!!
In my next article I will take a look back to last season's Nobles Park event, and speculate as to who may go well this time.
See you all at Nobles Park next Sunday!
There are 5 rounds this season, all taking place on Sunday afternoons as follows:
Round 1 - 14th October 2007 – Nobles Park, Douglas (IOMVAC)
Round 2 - 11th November 2007 – Crossags Farm, Ramsey (Northern AC)
Round 3 - 9th December 2007 – Glen Lough, Glen Vine (Western AC)
Round 4 & IOM Championships - 20th January 2008 – Crossags Farm, Ramsey (Northern AC)
Round 5 - 3rd February 2008 – Pulrose Golf Course, Douglas (Manx Harriers)
The starting time for all rounds will be 2pm unless otherwise advised. You should aim to check in at least 30 minutes before the start time - preferably more for the 1st Round as you will need to complete and hand in your entry form for the series. You can download a form by clicking on http://www.manxathletics.com/manxharriers/MGXCENTRY.PDF
DOUBLE POINTS WILL BE AWARDED FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND AT CROSSAGS ON 20TH JANUARY – so make sure that one is in your diary now! It is hoped that this change will help to raise the profile of the IOM Championships further as it will also be very important for competitors to do this round for their league placings.
As in previous years, the best 4 rounds will count for the league, which means that to qualify you have to do either:
1 – The Championship Round (which counts as 2) plus a minimum of 2 other rounds, or
2 – If you miss the Championship Round you would have to do all the other 4.
The scoring system in each round will be 50 points for the winner, 49 for 2nd place, 48 for 3rd place etc. For the Championship Round the winner will get 100 points, 2nd place 98 points, 3rd place 96 points etc. The competitor with the highest points total from their best 4 races in the series will be the winner in each category.
There are races for the following age categories:
Senior/Vet Men
Senior/Vet Ladies
Junior Men
Junior Ladies
Under 17 Boys & Girls
Under 15 Boys & Girls
Under 13 Boys & Girls
Under 11 Boys & Girls
Under 9 Boys & Girls
As in previous years there will also be a 'Short Course' race option for Senior, Veteran, Junior and Under 17 Men and Ladies. This may be suitable for newcomers to cross country, or perhaps track athletes who are not distance runners but wish to use cross country as a means to build endurance over the winter. It may also be suitable for ageing has-beens who may be considering a comeback to cross country after an absence of many years!
ALL ARE WELCOME!!
In my next article I will take a look back to last season's Nobles Park event, and speculate as to who may go well this time.
See you all at Nobles Park next Sunday!
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