With tons of events cancelled up and down the country due to Storm Dennis, Ryde Harriers did everything in their power to get the annual IW cross country championships at smallbrook going ahead. With flooding on some sections of the course, waterlogged fields and ankle deep mud it added another kind of element to the race making it a different kind of challenge. Andy Wheeler described it as ‘incredibly tough, every step felt like i was sinking further into the fields. Classic British cross country weather’. This didnt stop him claiming 2nd overall place on his first race for the club, what a start. He was closely followed by Ross Wilkes taking 3rd place with cross country regular Simon Riley also getting in the top 10 and getting 2nd vet40. The three together scraped into the 1st place mens team position by two points claiming the gold for a 3rd year in a row. David Blake, Gary Sharp, Richard Bezer and Kev Rann all slid their way round the course, nailing some great times in the process and ensuring the Road Runners white vests didnt stay white for long. Steve Bennett grabbed the gold as he was crowned 1st vet60 and Judy McCabe, sadly our only lady in the race, more than made up for it with a quality position of 4th lady and 2nd in her age. Dave Wilcock and Sam Grist rounded off the team swimming their way to the finish with a some great times.
Quality work every one of you, takes a lot to go racing on a day like that but made sure we were well represented and kicking ass as usual.
Andy Wheeler 2nd 45.07
Ross Wilkes 3rd 45.22
Simon Riley 9th 48.46
David Blake 16th 52.29
Gary Sharp 28th 59.15
Richard Bezer 29th 1.00.18
Kev Rann 32nd 1.02.33
Judy McCabe 4th lady 1.03.54
Steve Bennett 33rd 1.03.55
Dave Wilcock 43rd 1.10.54
Sam Grist 46th 1.30.17
