Young Harriers aces lay down an early league marker
LLANDAFF Fields in Cardiff played host to the first British Athletics Cross Challenge leg along with the renamed John Collins Gwent Cross Country League.
For the first time the event included an international element with organisers having attracted European athletes in addition to the top British athletes who already contest the races. Clubs from South Wales and the south of England also got their winter campaigns under way in the Gwent League, which will visit Tredegar and Bristol in the latter part of the season.
Carmarthen Harriers’ novice boys and under-13 boys currently lead the way in the team rankings at this early stage after several excellent individual performances.
In addition, the novice girls and under-13 girls have also had a strong start, lying in the top three. Representing the club were under-11 boys’ winner Macsen Toogood, Daniel Warrender, Liam Upton-Boorman, Alex Coles, William Coles, Tristan Warrender, Ifan Bowen, Iwan Thomas, Zach Elvy, Steffan Davies, Jake Lynock, Rogan Cox, Ellis Caddick, Brynmor Peters, Dafydd Jones, Frank Morgan, Liam Edwards, Ioan Cressey-Rodgers, Archi Morgan, Ben Thomas, Kyran Robers, Peter Moody, Huw Davies, Paul Lynock, Jonathan Cox, Jessica Norman, Ellie-May John, Martha Morgan, Esme Lynock, Frances Mackie, Chloe Hale, Amy Greatrick, Carys Wood, Bessy Hill, Nel Davies, Eva Edwards, Ellie Kiff, Kate Parker and Lisa Forest.
The red vests of Llanelli were also in action in Cardiff, with a few having returned there just a week after the Cardiff Half Marathon. Competing at Llandaff were Iwan Wilson, James Thomas, Adam Beer, Callum Campion, Samuel Bird, Dai Keenan, Jason Price, Matthew Phillips, Peter Osborne, Alan Davies, Amelie Campion, Mari Wilson, Emily Tucker, Amy Tucker, Carys Jones, Rowena Melbourne, Suzanne Owens, Ness Buckler, Amanda De La Hey and Jacqui Lewis.
Round two will be a home match for the local clubs as the league visits Pembrey Country Park on November 10. It will incorporate the West Wales Cross Country Championships.