Taxing terrain and muddy conditions

Thick early morning fog lifted in time for the Thames Valley Cross Country meet hosted by Bracknell Forest Runners on Sunday. Once again Maidenhead Athletic Club (MAC) runners were out in force, making up 54 of the 500 runners who toed the start line.

After a congested start the runners began to spread out as they encountered the first of several hill climbs, although the downhills were just as taxing in muddy conditions. Adam Bennett was the first

MAC member to finish in fifth, climbing to the finish line ahead of Craig West in 18th, Mark Freed in 49th, Alejandro Del Campo in 63rd, Sean Keddy in 69th and Colin Symons in 72nd.

The club’s female contingent also ran well with Becky Atkinson finishing 56th, Kirsty Matthews 67th, Sarah Leach 109th and Fran Sille in 124th, all well inside the top third of finishers.