Wallasey Athletic Club's Kevin McGee ran a superb race last Saturday, and was well backed up by Dave Southern and Rick Hemmings. It was the 83rd annual Northern Cross-Country Championship which was held in the Arctic conditions of Cottingswood Common in Morpeth.
It was neither surprising nor unexpected that runners wouldn't finish the course. The snow and intense cold would have been sufficient for many; add to this, the early morning start and the 4½ hour journey and you have the best combination of reasons for anybody failing to finish the race.
Paul Delap and Nick Robinson were unfortunate enough to suffer this fate, but it must be emphasised that they were not dis-credited. The team was competing in its first major competition since joining the club, the experience being a valuable part of their training. There were about 180 starters in the race and 140 finishers. Kevin McGee finished 42nd, Dave Southern 82nd and a suffering Rick Hemmings 84th.
The only other runner travelling the distance to compete was Rod Dixon who ran in the six-mile junior championship. Of an equally large field Rod finished an excellent 77th.
Rod has made a significant improvement in his running since rejoining the club twelve months ago and is an excellent example of how correct and regular training can improve an apparently mediocre school athlete.
Whilst the men were racing in Morpeth the women were racing over the hilly course of Witton Park in Blackburn. It was the Women's National Championships wherein each race boasted around 400 starters.
In the minors' race were three from Wallasey Athletic Club who together with Lynn Jenkinson in the junior girls race were running in their second major competition only. Joanne McDonald finished 266th, Carole Jenkinson 274th and Lolita Harrison 288th. Lynn Jenkinson finished 268th in her race.
They were treated to a fine display of running by Barbara Majumdar in the senior race. She finished 27th in her race being narrowly defeated by, a past member of Wallasey now competing for Luton, Margaret Ashcroft.
Both of these runners will be the first to admit that any degree of success doesn't come easy. They had been, training and competing regularly for at least six years before any indication of success.
Wallasey Athletic Club is always looking for new members and would welcome, especially those in the 17-plus age group to give more depth to track and field league teams this summer.
This is the 70th anniversary year of the club and it would like it to be marked by adding to the success of the cross-country season and more successful track and field season. Telephone 638 0296 for details.
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Source - Wallasey News - Friday, 06/02/1976 by DH
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