There were impressive performances at the Staffordshire AAA Cross Country Championships (Saturday 8 January) where athletes battled their way around the muddy course with county honours at stake. Junior and Senior athletes pushed themselves to their limits and there were a few close finishes.

They took place at Betley Court Farm, a popular venue for local and county cross country races due to the undulating and scenic course almost all on grass apart from a couple of dirt tracks. The going was soft to energy-sapping and spikes were definitely needed! 

It started at 12.00pm with the U13 Girls and U13 Boys running one lap that was 3K (approx) in distance. This was followed by the U15 Girls and U15 Boys at 12:25 pm who ran one lap that was 4K (approx) in distance. 13.05pm saw the U17 Men, U17 Women, U20 Women, Senior Women and Veteran Women who completed two laps at a total distance of 6K (approx). At 1.45 pm it was the turn of the U20 Men, Senior Men and Veteran Men on three laps for a total distance of 10K (approx). 

In Wave 3: U17/FU20/FSen and FVet, Sophie Goodfellow of Newcastle (Staffs) AC raced ahead of Tipton Harriers Jade Charlton to finish in 26:00 and won the Senior Women’s category. Jade Charlton finished in 26:05 and was the U17 Women’s winner. 

Over in Wave 4: MU20/MSen and MVet, Lee Gratton of Rugeley Runners sped to victory in 33:14 and winner of the Male Senior category. 

Browse results from all the races via the runABC Midlands Race Listings page. 

There were no county cross country championships in January 2021 due to lockdown so this event made a welcome return and showed the depth of talent in clubs across Staffordshire.   

Image courtesy of Bryan Dale.