After a year long gap our traditional Joydens Wood cross country series are finally back! The greatest challenge this time was not covid but forestry works that resulted in much of the usual course being out of bounds. An alternative shorter course was used meaning that four laps were required to reach the 5 mile distance but I think that all were agreed that the new course was certainly no easier; recent rain combined with the the churning of the surface by forestry vehicles made conditions quite slippery and left some ruing their choice of footwear.
I have lost count of the number of times that I have written that surely Dean Lacy's remarkable record in these races must come to an end, once again he was "there for the taking"; Bayley Massey was an early challenger but was one of those left struggling for grip in the difficult conditions and new member Chris Loudon, making his Joydens debut, pushed Dean all the way but in the end was beaten by 14 seconds and had to settle for the silver medal. James MacDonald took bronze. In past years the team competition has been hotly contested but with Cambridge Harriers occupying all of the first nine positions it was in no doubt this time, Angus Vosper completing the four to score team with another recent joiner, Ben Rew, in fifth.
In the women's race is was good to welcome back former member Clare Elms (now of Dulwich Runners) who was an easier winner, Cambridge Harriers Lucy Marlow and Louise Knight were second and third.
Full results can be found here
as can results for all of these races going back to 2004, if anyone has any older results then please let us know!
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