Chiltern Harriers retained their hold on the Hardwick Cross Country Race Cup on Sunday, 22 February. Chiltern won this cup for the first time last year. Vale of Aylesbury had won it every year previously since the race began, so Chiltern were in no doubt that they would have to work hard to hold on to it. On the day it was the excellent Chiltern youth team which won it. Tom Beedell was first Chiltern Harriers home, in 4th place overall, and followed by team-mates Stuart Ellerby, Fabian Downs and David Howells.
The women also did very well with Chiltern Harriers' Helen Reynolds winning the women's race.
The Hardwick Cross Country race has a small but faithful group of runners who like it for its tough, traditional virtues. Run across heavy muddy ploughed fields, crossing streams and irrigation dykes, it provides a real challenge and plenty of excitement. At one point a rope is provided for runners to haul themselves out of a ditch.
'We are very pleased to have held on to this Cup in 2004" said Roger Ellerby "and intend to hold on to it next year as well." Roger lead the Chiltern team home last year, but was not able to run this year. However his son Stuart Ellerby ably took his place, and finished second Chiltern runner behind Tom Beedell.