Six very tough senior women braved the cold at the Kent Championships this year. Not only is the course bleak and windy at Brands Hatch but it was also run over the longer 8k distance. The squad has been struck by injury and illness in the last couple of months so it was touch and go as to whether or not we could field a team of six. Sue and Sal had dashed back home to drop off their very cold kids after the juniors races showing real commitment to get back just in time for a quick warm up. These championships bring out women and clubs who do not compete in the Kent league so it was a pretty competitive field at the top end of the race. Amelia Ritchie started well with Hayley Newman and Sue Dixon not too far behind. Cara Oliver was a bit further back with Christine Bond and then Sally Carr. As the race developed Amelia who is inexperienced in cross country over this distance began to drop back. In contrast Hayley and Sue seemed to be getting stronger. Cara in the meantime, although nursing an injury, was also beginning to find her stride. As far as the Cambridge Harriers were concerned the order didn’t change from there.This made Hayley the club cross country champion, with Sue second and Amelia third. It was a good performance with just six runners resulting in a creditable fifth place in the team of six competition.
Thanks to Clem who stayed on after his race so that the SW could benefit from the protection of the tent at the end of the race.
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