Beverley's Men Perform Well in National Cross-Country Championships

Several of Beverley Athletic Club’s best cross-country athletes travelled to Alton Towers last Saturday to join hundreds of runners from clubs all over the country for the English National Cross-Country Championships.

Competing against the best in the country Beverley’s men’s team finished in a commendable 50th place out of 95 teams.

Matt Chadwick was the first Beverley runner to finish. He crossed the line in 45.07 and in 349th position overall.

A highly experienced cross-country athlete, Chadwick found the race at Alton Towers” one of the most difficult I’ve ever run in due to the dreadful muddy conditions.”

The state of the course was so bad that the organisers reduced the length of the senior men’s race from 12k to 10k. Chadwick was pleased with his finishing position and delighted with the team performance.

James Pearson, Ian Boardley, Andy Johnson, Neil Bant and Stuart Little formed the rest of the team and all finished in the top 800.

Kate Ladell was the only Beverley lady to take part. She completed the 8 kilometre course in a respectable 36.23.

Beverley Athletic Club finishing times
Senior men – 10k
1302 finishers
Matt Chadwick 349th in 45.07; James Pearson 480th in 47.15; Ian Boardley 602nd in 49.02; Andy Johnson 719th in 50.52; Neil Bant 780th in 51.58; Stuart Little 799th in 52.26; Pete Watkinson 1089th in 59.22.
The race was won by Steve Vernon of Stockport Harriers and AC in 35.11.

Senior ladies – 8k
552 finishers
Kate Ladell 401st in 36.23.
The race was won by Louise Damen of Winchester District and AC in 23.49.

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