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.