Cross-country at Pelsall North Common Saturday 9 November 2024

Ladies – Midland Women’s League Division 2

Men – Birmingham League Division 3

Another great race report from Craig. Thank you Craig!

The big decision before the races was whether to take two tents or one.  We took one (the men’s).  I went off to register the teams and register myself as an official and when I got back the tent was up.  Clearly my leadership isn’t always needed.

It was perfect weather for as cross-country race with little wind and a nice temperature of about 8c.  The course is flat and due to a lack of rain recently was reasonably dry.  Last year a vehicle got stuck in the mud in the field where the start and finish were located.

The races were held at Pelsall North Common which is a local nature reserve.  It is described as an area of wet lowland heath supporting lots of wildlife, including crested newts and lizards.  It is debateable as to whether any members of the Harriers might be described as wildlife.  There is a play area with swings etc that the course goes round.  Manisha particularly likes this.

I have to be honest, but it was disappointing to only have 3 ladies running.  It was a big field with 285 finishers and our finishing positions were:

53rd Suzzy

147th Manisha

208^th Jenny

I’m staggered by how well Suzzy ran.  She has only been able to undertake limited training.  With more running under her belt the top 40 is well within her sights. Hopefully at some point Manisha will appreciate how well she is running.  Manisha, there were 138 behind you.  Jenny battled really well to complete the race.  Jenny hasn’t been able to train properly for some months and being there is a real credit to her.  

And ladies, thank you for staying to cheer the men on.  I managed to get you well organized so you covered more than one part of the course.  You loved spending time with me. 

So, what happened with the men?  Difficult to say when I was running (I did run all the way) myself.  I do know one thing for certain and that is Andy W missed the start.  Not by much he told me.  I’ve praised the ladies, but I must add at this stage the men faced the worst conditions.  The ladies had really churned the mud up for us.  Deliberate some would say.

All the men got in safely, which is good.  And all were suitably covered in mud which is better.  Out of a field of 263 the men’s finishing positions were:

81^st Nick

139^th Barry

157^th Patrick

172^nd Andy W

181^st Andy M

187^th Tahir

195^th James

222^nd Andy L

239^th Craig

It was great to have 13 runners in the men’s race.  Well done to you all.

Andy W managed to find a pub for us where reflections on the day were prominent.  The car park was a bit tight.

I wasn’t going to report this, but what a job I did in starting the ladies’ race and setting the men’s race up so all the league president had to do was blow the whistle.  I did like the power and chance to shout loudly.  You all know I love to blow a whistle.  Otherwise, what is the point of being a coach?

Craig