XC Nationals – Donnington Park 27.02.16

Well done to the 8 men who represented Massey Ferguson at the English Cross Country National Championships at Donnington Park on Saturday. This is the traditional end of the cross country season, bringing together clubs from across England to compete in a field of runners that was nearly 1800 for the senior men’s race. The build-up really does have the air of a medieval battle field with over 100 club flag “standards”, multi-coloured tents, and then 1800 men line-up and charge across a muddy field.

The course was a tough and undulating 8 miles this year, over a mix of long grass, knobbly cabbage patch fields and sticky mud. There were come contrasting views around the course as well, including beautiful rolling hills, stately Donington Hall, racing cars speeding around the track, and passenger planes coming into land at East Midlands airport. It must have been quite a sight for those returning from holiday to see nearly 2000 blokes charging around a XC course from the air.

Massey men finished 105 out of 123 teams, and most followed it up with a night watching the Subterraneans in Earlsdon – not ideal preparation for those running Coventry Half the next day. Our numbers were no doubt diminished by the Nationals falling in the same weekend as Coventry Half this year, but I encourage anyone to try this iconic club event next year which is pretty unique in the running calendar.   

Results 

801         Dave Clarke

919         Ross Cooper

1013       Gary Lawson

1160       Tony Hoy

1209       Dave Lee

1316       Pete Paprcka

1394       Dean Semple

1531       Graham Patton

Race Report by Ross Cooper