Hunny Bell Cross Country – Sunday 28 February 2016

Sunday 28th Feb Hunny Bell Cross Country run in aid of Break Charity.

The day started with the threat of rain and very cold morning air. We quickly found our way to Hunny Bell Public House and with excellent organisation and car park marshalls we found our parking space with ease. The short walk across to the meeting point showed the welcoming sight of the gathering crowd of over 500 runners eager and keen to begin their run. A large group of orange vested Jags stood out in the crowd showing the excellent Jaguar turnout.

The juniors race went off at the earlier time of 9 am for the under 13 yr olds with the under 17 yr old promptly following at 930am. Races for them being 2.3 miles for under 13 yrs and 2.6 miles for under 17yrs.

The seniors/veterans race was due to start at 10 am a 5.1 mile race cross country terrain. As the race started, the sight of the sea of brightly coloured running vests as they surged forwards was inspiring. The sun began to shine pushing us on to follow the route through the muddy sections and across the wooded area. A challenging route of several hills and inclines though the course levelled out across the fields offering a welcome respite. As the 2.5 mile counter passed the route was repeated after the water station provided the valued customary rehydration taking us the back through the woods and fields. The route was marshalled well and appreciation noted to all of those volunteers who provided the much needed encouragement and praise for efforts made.

The finishing line was a welcome sight after the last corner at the bottom of the hill. By then the sun was shining enhancing the beautiful country rural scenes of the Stody Estate.

Medals and goody bags were given out to all participants, photographs taken and winning awards to leading runners.

Many thanks to Break Charity and all their sponsors and volunteers for providing a memorable day.

Congratulations to all Jags on completing this challenging course and especially to Ellie Bye and Billy Life.  The team awards have yet to be announced.

Report by Carole Neil

stody2

Many more pics on facebook…

NameTime
Billy Life14.56 (U13 )
James Lambert33.42
Alan Bushell33.49
Ben Gaskins35.00
Ellie Bye35.01
Josh Neale35.46
Paul Emery38.10
Nicola John38.21
Emma Wilcock38.34
Vicky Tovell39.40
Paul Groves44.32
Martin Bagnall44.52
Jackie Gooch45.12
Ruth Gainsford47.34
Clare Hicks50.47
Shirley Wilcock58.05
Annette Yeomanson58.06
Carole Neil58.06