English National XC Champs & Cross Keys Relays 2024

The re-arranged English National Cross Country Championships took place on Saturday 14th September at Weston Park in Staffordshire. An iconic event with the best athletes across the country taking part.

A rather sunny day, with a tough headwind to test athletes. Very dry fast conditions were in store with a few lumps to sap the energy.

ECH had a good turnout across the different age groups. In the Under 13 girls event Demi Baxter was first home for ECH with a strong run in 73rd, followed by teammates Erin McMahon and Imogen McBurnie in 107th and 174th respectively. Matthew Bailey worked hard to finish 172nd in the under 13 boys race. Anna Rooke and Isla Herring had a close battle in the under 15 girls race finishing 136th and 146th respectively.

We had a strong team in the under 15 boys race finishing a creditable 20th overall with great performances all round from Marshall Fleet (72nd), Alfie Manser (109th), Nathan Dunn (173rd) and Sebastian Stewart (210th). Maria Rooke ran a strong race in the under 17 womens race coming home in 65th, as did Joe Taylor in the men's race finishing in 155th.

In the Senior Women’s race Katie Kay performed really well to get our highest finish on the day in 60th, followed by Megan Lewis in 122nd after a rapid start! The Senior Men’s team performed well finishing 10th overall with good performances from Gavin Browne 188th, Gareth Raven 143rd, Liam Browne 206th, James Hartshorne 252nd, Jonathan Aust 269th, Jacob Taylor 275th, Allan Cooke 301st, and Dennis Thomas 324th.

A special mention former ECH athelte Emilia Platt who ran brilliantly to win the under 20 women’s race, an outstanding achievement.

On the same day it was the annual Cross Keys relays in Saddleworth costing of 2 road legs of 3 miles and 2 fell legs of 2.5 miles. Well done to Howard Oldham, Robin Horner, Mike Kennedy and Michael Harris (pictured from left to right below) who finished 3rd overall.