Fox proves too quick for her rivals and takes Grand Prix title
The Sunderland Harriers Cross Country Grand Prix has concluded with Jessica Fox lifting the title by just one point.
The Herrington athlete started her quest for the title at the first Harrier League at Wrekenton on September 25.
She had amassed 51 points when the competition ended at Alnwick in March to win the top prize of £150.
Athletes gain points by competing in the Harrier League and Championship events throughout the long season. They score an extra point when they are a team counter and they get the most points for Championship events which normally means significant travel. This season the National Championships were held in London.
With five prizes up for grabs there was plenty to run for and Michael Edwards took second place just one point behind Fox. Third place went to Dave Lash with 48 points, then came Paul Redman with 47 points and the oldest competitor Dale Wilkinson was fifth on 45 points.
Just outside the prizes were Chris Bell on 43 points and Andrew Hughes with 42 points.
The prize presentation will take place at the Penshaw Hill race on Wednesday, June 15.
Sunderland Harrier Stephen Jackson said he had a fantastic experience when he lined up to compete in the Boston Marathon on Monday.
Although the last five miles or so was tough he still managed to finish as first British finisher in a time not far outside his best of with 2.28.17.
Sunderland Harrier Liam Taylor finished in the frame once again to maintain his consistency in local road races of not being outside the first three since his comeback following injury.
He finished third in the North Tyneside 10km at Whitley Bay in a field of 2,000 and this follows his performance in last week’s Wallsend’s 5km where he also finished third and the week previously at Blyth where he was second.
Taylor recorded 32.16 behind the winner North Shields athlete David Green, who broke the course record with his time of 31.09. Second was Gateshead Harrier Ali Bailey with 31.59. Sunderland Harrier Sam Thurlbeck was 27th with 35.27.
First woman was Wallsend’s Danielle Hodgkinson, who finished a superb 10th overall (33.29). Sunderland Harrier Natasha Steel recorded (43.40).
Sunderland Harrier Michael Edwards finished 10th in the New Marske Harriers Mermaid 10km at Seaton Carew, recording 34.45. The race was won by the home club’s Lewis Gamble Thompson in 30.08.
Over-50 Wearside triathlete Paul Robson was the winner of the Run Nation Easter 10km Road Race on Easter Monday at Dalton Park.
Results: 1 Paul Robson, Over-50 Wearside Triathlon, 37.25, 2 Dan Lanes 37.54, 3 Luke Hillard, Elswick, 38.03, 4 Scott Thompson, Under-20s Blackhill Bounders, 39.42, 5 Gavin Mulvaney, Over-40 South Shields, 40.44, 6 Mike Russell, Over-40 Elswick, 41.16, 7 Jordan Chambers, 41.19, 8 Nick Williams 41.37, 9 Ben Small 41.49, 10 Cameron Lawton, Sunderland Harriers, 42.18.
Women: Stacy Cellini, Low Fell, 44.51, 2 Katie Dodds 47.22.