ATHLETES TURN OUT IN FORCE
READING AC showed up in full force for the second round of the Hampshire Cross Country League with a team of 16 athletes that took on 5.9km at Wellesley Woods in Aldershot.
With sunny, dry conditions over the undulating woodland course, the team showed a fast pace from the gun.
Leading the pack was Naomi Mitchell, showing her marathon strength in a close battle with Aldershot Farnham District AC to take the win.
Training partners Anna Boniface and Mia Waldmann (U20) worked together to complete the scoring trio in sixth and seventh, securing the senior women’s team victory of the match.
Laurie Marlow was next home (15th) continuing her consistency, closely followed by Sophie Crumly (16th) with a great run on her way back from injury.
Captain, Sarah Holmes had a fantastic run with progression on the previous match with a solid 28th.
Under 20, Lara Tolson battled well in 44th with Hayleigh Wood closely behind in 45th, another consistent run.
Leanne James made an excellent debut in the Reading AC vest placing 66th in a close battle with Lucy Daniels (V40) storming through the line in 68th.
Lee Fellows brought her usual energy with another fantastic performance in 77th.
Chair, Julie Rayfield (V50) represented her club with 86th, Kathryn Tolson (V50) finished in 92nd, closely followed by Alana Rayfield in 96th.
Millie Dainton (V40) came home in 101st and completing the team was Katie Hartgrove in 104th for her first race of the season.
The Hampshire League breaks for Christmas and returns on Saturday, January 15 where home advantage at Prospect Park hopes to see more success.