Haywards Harriers hold annual Open Cross-Country run

In between the storms this weekend, the autumnal weather abated for a few hours on Sunday morning. And it was just long enough to provide near perfect conditions for the Haywards Heath Harriers annual Open Cross-Country run at the All England Jumping Course, Hickstead.
By Ben Adams
Published 15th Oct 2014, 10:16 BST
Haywards Heath Harriers annual Open Cross-Country run at the All England Jumping Course, Hickstead.Haywards Heath Harriers annual Open Cross-Country run at the All England Jumping Course, Hickstead.
Haywards Heath Harriers annual Open Cross-Country run at the All England Jumping Course, Hickstead.

Over 550 runners from schools and clubs across the south-east, a record turn out for the event in recent times, took part in 6 races for all ages: Under 9 (Girls and Boys) - 700m; Under 11 (Girls and Boys) - 1km; Under 16 - 1600m and Senior - 8 km around the Hickstead grounds. Despite the heavy rain last week, the ground held firm and provided for some fantastic racing for this season’s penultimate West Sussex Fun Run League event.

In the Senior race, the leaders traded positions in the early stages, coming down to a gripping sprint finish between Harrier Paul Tomlinson (24:47) and eventual winner Max Pickard of Phoenix AC (27:41) with Louis Taub (28:41) of Brighton and Hove and Harrier Russ Mullen closely behind (28:58). Tomlinson said: ‘This was a good test for the forthcoming cross country season. It’s a great course; I felt strong and despite just missing out on the win, I was pretty pleased with my performance, against strong competition’.

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First Senior lady in her excellent time of 33:00 was Caroline Wood of Arena 80. Esther Fair from Goring Road Runners was second in 34:45 closely followed by Harrier Siobhan​ Amer (34:54).

The Harriers had further success in the Junior race with Matt Holbrook taking the victory in 5.38 for the mile course, with Harrison Bird in third (5.49). The Harriers also took the first three places for the girls with brilliant performances from Jasmine Mamoany (6:61), Neave Scott (6:32) and Katie Grant (6:45).

In the Under 9 races there were wins for Rosie Gasson of Withdean School and Oliver Simpson of Harlands Primary School, who also had 5 of the first 6 finishers in the boys’ race. In the Under 11 races, Harrier Charlotte Cooper and Josh Pay of Brighton and Hove City AC took the victories.

Results and more athletics in this week’s Mid Sussex Times

Related topics:Hickstead