Hampshire Cross Country (HXC) vs Fixture 2 - Wellesley Woods

Just three Hedgies made the long drive up the M3 to experience the best course of the series: Mel Ford, Rob Dempster and – making his Hampshire League debut – William Yonge.

Conditions were good, with little mud and calm fine weather.

Running c. 6km (and after a trot around Rushmoor parkrun in the morning) Mel completed the course in 33.00 mins and finished 141^st, but 3^rd V60.

Shortly afterwards then men started their 3+ laps and c. 10kms around the fields and through the Wellesley Woods. Unlike at Popham there was some excitement for the spectators watching those at the front of the field. Abdinasir Mohamoud Elmi from Bournemouth AC won again, but only by outsprinting Joe Wigfield (an Aldershot athlete) to win by a single second. They had been neck and neck until then. The winner’s time was a mere 30.35. Just a few minutes later Rob finished in 120^th (but 5^th V50) and then William in 201^st place (9^th V60). Both looked remarkably fresh after their endeavours. Clearly not enough mud!

As we did not field three runners in either race, sadly we did not achieve overall team places. 

The good news about having so few runners was that there was plenty of cake for all on this occasion! 😊

The next fixture is at King’s Park, Bournemouth on Saturday 30^th November. Details to be provided nearer the time, and we look forward to seeing many of you there again. All welcome.