There was yet another record entry and turnout in this year's National Cross-Country Championships. They were held this year in Leicester in glorious sunshine and almost perfect conditions under foot over a fairly flat and consequently fast all grass course.
Three titles were contested, youths, 15 and 16 years of age; Juniors, 17, 18 and 19 years of age and seniors 20 years and over. Seven hundred and forty athletes ran in the youth race, six hundred and fifteen in the junior race and some one thousand three hundred plus in the senior race.
Wallasey Athletic Club had one athlete competing in the four mile youth's race, James Roberts (Robbo). This was his first time in such a large and important race, consequently, his placing was influenced by pre-race nerves and uncertainty. His position of 434th was excellent in the circumstances and more than emphasised his recent improvements.
Kevin McGee competed in the junior event over a six mile course. Last year he, and many other athletes, failed to complete the course at Luton.
This year he finished 108th after suffering with a form of stomach cramp for the last 11\2 miles. Up until this time he was placed in the first 60 and running easily and well. However, his target race for the year is in another three weeks time, that being the Boy's English Schools Championships, so nothing was lost but much was learned to help in preparation towards this target.
Today, Saturday March 1, is the date of the Girl's English Schools Championships being held in Telford.
Wallasey Athletic Club has many members who have entered the meeting at Kirkby Athletic Stadium. In the morning the Merseyside Boy's Schools have the last of their leagues in St. Helens, Wallasey athletes will be present there also.
All track athletes should now have started their training. If you are a reader with such interests not yet connected with an athletic club then please come along to Woodchurch Community Centre track on Wednesday evening at 7.10 to 7.20 if you want to join in, or at any time between 7.00 and 8.30 for information.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 01/03/1980 by DOUG HANNA
Ref 1924