A small contingent of St Helens Sutton A.C. members travelled across the country to Nottingham where the National Cross Country Championships were held for the first time in Wollaton Park.

The conditions were surprisingly dry however underfoot the ground was very wet and muddy in areas.

There were, disappointingly, only eight athletes representing the club. First race of the day was the Under 17years ladies 5km. event, the club’s representatives were Rachel McGoldrick, Maddie Williams and Maria McGoldrick.

All three girls ran strongly, Rachel finished 130th in a time of 22 min.29, whilst Maddie finished with only one shoe in 145th place in 22 min.45 secs and Maria finished 162nd in 23 min.21 secs.

Next off for the club was the junior men's 10km race in which Luke Towers ran a promising race to finish in 61st place in a time of 34 min.18.

Also in this race Callum Lockett finishing 110th in a time of 36 min.25 secs. and Jamie White finished 158th in 39 min.33.

All three lads being pleased with their performances.

The closing event was the senior men's race over 12km.

In this the club had two veterans running, Andy O'Connor who finished in 1108th place out of a field of over 1800 runners in a time of 52 min.23 secs and Peter Johnson who finished 1414th in 57 min.48.

The club would also like to wish Maria and Rachel McGoldrick good luck for the English Schools Cross Country Championships held at Castle Donnington Leicestershire on Saturday 15 March.