Corby XC
Saturday 10th saw 9 hardy Long Eaton runners travel all the way down south to complete in the 2nd race of the North Midlands XC series.
Natalie Fryer was the sole female club representative completing the 2 lap, 5.9km course in just 25.49 and 35th position – 1 place higher than she managed at the 1st race in the 5 race series 2 weeks ago. Finishing just before the men set off she gleefully told them all just how waterlogged in places the course was.
Ran over 1x700m lap and 3x3km laps the front of the mens race was a very tight affair. Rob Fox and Gareth Watson exchanged positions a number of times during the race. Rob thought victory was his when Gareth tired on the final climb of the final lap but the 10m lead he built up got eaten away as the youngster sprinted down the sharp descent meaning the final 350m was an eyeballs out battle. Rob seemed to kick too early and with 100m to go it looked like Gareth had timed his sprint to perfection as the gap shrunk with every mud laden stride.
With the finishing funnel in sight Rob dug the deepest and held on to finish in 71st place in 36.50. Gareth was 72nd and 1 second slower.
Next back for the men was Phil Abbott then Alan Mablethorpe and Brian Jobe. The race was Brians first XC for many a year and his first mile was as fast as his road 5km pace – needless to say he tired somewhat in the latter stages, no doubt his recent stunning marathon PB still having an affect on heavy legs.
Next in was Colin Bostock in 44 minutes dead – much like he felt! Club Captain Shaun Burton was next back in 46.06 followed by Ian Wallis in 48.32
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