Local athletes returned to the venue used for the County Championships just before Christmas for the fourth round of this season's 5-race competition. This picturesque and tough hilly course on National Trust land in the grounds of the famous old Public School provided a wonderful winter scene with snow falling for the early arrivals. The snow had stopped and cleared for the first race at 12.30 but softer going under foot provided a tougher test than 3 weeks ago.
The U11 boy's team finished in 4th place. They were led home by talented ten year old Michael Goddard who, despite suffering from a very bad cold through the Xmas/New year period, managed to finish 2nd only a few paces behind the winner with his main rival for the overall championship back in 4th position. 11 year old Jack Dutton had another strong run to finish 17th and team-mates Mitchell Desborough (40th) and Gus Beedell (51st) completed the team.
The U13 boy's team had a great race finishing 2nd behind a very strong Bedford & County team to move into 3rd place overall. Following his fine run for bronze in the County Champs Daniel Loach continued his good form with 7th place followed closely by first year Oliver Church (11th), Alex Watson (13th) and Sonny Harvey (14th), another first year in the age group. Hugh Beedell, with his best run yet, finished in 39th place to complete the team.
A much depleted U15 boy's team was bolstered by a fine run from Alex Shelley (7th), returning to form following a couple of bouts of illness in recent weeks. He was supported by Allan Stewart who moved through the field after a poor start to finish 21st.
In the U17 age group Matthew Bennett suffered stomach cramps during the 6.5k race and slipped back through the field to finish 13th. First year U17's Tom Campbell (18th) and Alex Higgins (26th) helped the team finish in 5th position.
Gary Howells
Team Manager & Coach
Chiltern Harriers AC