Greater Manchester Cross Country Championship

First race of 2011 came with a win.  I was racing in the Greater Manchester Cross Country Championships.  I suppose with last years event being cancelled due to snow and me winning in 2009, that makes me reigning champion.  So I wanted to win the race and was looking for a good run out to see how fit I was.

It was a shame that Gaz Raven decided to pull out to do a session on his own in the morning but these things happen.  The race started quick and two athletes from Salford came with me and pushed the pace a little for the first half mile.  Carl played it very sensible and sat in and waited his time.  Knowing he's not done many sessions, but lots of good runs with me, he knew he had strength if not speed and this would help him in the race.  After the first short lap I started to open a gap up over the others and this grew as the race went on.  Not sure how far I won the race by as results are not out yet but it was probably just under a minute.  Carl was second and Niall Brooks of Sale was third.  Dave Norman finished fourth.

Pleased to have won the race and looking forward to the Northern Cross Country later in the month.  The championships was poorly attended and I am not sure why.  Is this just a case of all these county champs?

Well done to Stockport Harriers on holding the champs and for providing a very good course.