London Calling for the National XC Championships, 26th February 2022

Set against a backdrop of the London skyline and the sound of the suburbs, runners were drawn to the mud and hills, so much a part of the occasion it would leave a pretty vacant feeling if they were not there. Winchester's ladies negotiated the 8k course, comprising 1 medium and 1 large lap. Fresh from her first, very welcome, WADAC appearance of the season at Popham the previous week, it was Lucy Elliott who was first home for the club. Lucy can’t fail to impress with her longevity and tenacity giving her an overall position of 134th. Next home was Jane Gandee then Ellie Swire, both capping off fine seasons, finishing in 169th and 189th respectively. Emma Carter had a fine run to make up the final team place. Close behind were Kate Green, happily returning to form and Sam Parkinson racing for the last time before moving up an age group. The Winchester ensemble was finished off by the ever-reliable Alison Fenwick and Jo Jefferies.
nThe final race of the day saw over 2000 senior men racing over the 12 k course. First home for Winchester and in complete control was Will Boutwood followed by the equally impressive George King. George Bellfield secured an excellent 369th position to come home 3rd for WADAC with Wayne Bevan (covered in mud and looking grimly fiendish), Ben Findlay, Pete Sansome and David Comb completing the scoring positions. Next home was Andy Parkinson followed by Rob Carter (completing his clean sweep of xc races), David Vosser and Paul Horler, choosing Parliament Hill to make his death or glory xc debut.
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nThanks to all those who have raced xc this season in the black and gold of WADAC. Hopefully, even more will have it on their radar when it returns in October.
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nCharlie & Parky