The Liverpool cross country at Sefton Park is one of the most anticipated events in the local calendar. The event is organised by British Athletics as it is part of the renowned annual cross challenge series with prize money.
The series seeks to develop opportunities for the country’s established and emerging athletes and to support the preparations of the very best senior athletes for international competition. The races are also the trials for the team selection for the European cross country championships, with the top five being awarded as of right a GB vest.
Over 2,500 took part as Sefton Park hosts both the Mid Lancs and Liverpool Leagues within all of the age-group races. The day was overcast with frequent rain showers as the day progressed, although fortunately the forecast strong winds didn`t come in until after the competition had ended.
The under 11s went first and they returned mud splattered which set the tone for the whole day. Conditions became slippery & challenging.
Harriers U13 girls had a wonderful race in the Mid Lancs set-up. The first three, Alissa Darbyshire, Darcey Lonsdale and Annie Duffy packed brilliantly from 3rd to 5th to win the team event. Everybody showed real determination in the final straight. Top placed U13 boy was Thomas Durney in 12th in a very tough race.
The U15 girls over 3km also ran well. The team was 2nd on the day, behind a very strong Liverpool Harriers outfit and Emma Fulton was 13th, Tegan Macuras 15th and Eleanor Ward 20th. Kate Danby was 23rd and Charlotte Morris 25th.
The U17 men took first team honours too, with a series of very good runs – Nathan Dunn was 3rd, Jake Lonsdale 6th & George Warbuton 10th. Louis Barrow, Adam Roberts, Dexter Sparrow and Byron Sowerby all completed the course. To conclude the day, and in huge fields, the ladies ran 8.1km and the men 9.8km. First lady finisher was Nichola Jackson in 9th and the mens top finisher for Harriers was Gethin Butler (32nd) .