Grantham Athletic Club was well represented at the Lincolnshire Cross Country  County Championships sponsored by Lincolnshire Runner held at Biscathorpe last Sunday. There were fifteen athletes running on the challenging, traditional course.

Conditions were extremely muddy, with deep water crossings, log jumps and leg sapping hills, resulting in many athletes slipping into deep mud. This however did not deter our three under 13 boys, Ewan Rodell, Peter Braybrook and Harry Denton who dominated the race, finishing first, second and third respectively. This meant that they finished the race as County Team Champions and Ewan Rodell’s victory gained him the title of U13 Boys County Champion, a reflection of their hard work and dedication to training and competition. Congratulations to all three boys for such an incredible result.

Not to be outdone by the U13 Boys, the U17 boys also fought hard against some strong competition and after a few falls we saw Aaron Hunt take 8^th place, George Hatton 7^th and beaten by only one second, Will Tucker took second place! Making them County Team Champions for U17 boys as well. Another reflection of their dedication and smart training. It was also a second team win for Grantham AC.

Our only U15 male athlete Rori Rodell also ran a strong race and as ever gave it his all, bringing him home in 7^th place. A fine result in a tough race.

Four younger female athletes ran the tough course. Megan Tremain our only U11 athlete ran and gained a respectable 6th place, continuing her good season. Next up we saw Ffion Trundell our U13 athlete run the course for the first time, her determination and grit got her a well-deserved 7^th place. Isabel Hobday and Helen Braybrook represented the U15 girls and both managed to stay upright for the whole race, much to their relief. Helen came home 4^th and Isabel just behind in 5th place. Well done to all four girls.

With these strong results, nine of the Athletes have been selected to represent Lincolnshire at the Inter County Championships on 11^th March at Prestwold, Loughborough, we look forward to seeing them compete again.

The Veteran men’s team were represented by Chris Hunt, Arthur Short and Mark Tucker. Results to be confirmed but needless to say they all ran well, some took on more mud than others and some went home limping with ice packs (mentioning no names Mark)! Veteran women had one representative, Joanna McGrath who for some strange reason enjoyed the mud.

Our next Cross country event takes place on 15^th January with the last Lincolnshire League match of the taking place at Louth. If you fancy joining in the fun please speak to your coach at training, check out the details on our website, granthamac.com or email Joanna McGrath for further details.

More photos to follow this week.