Hoyle to fore in Kintore clean sweep

Julie Hoyle was one of a group of tireless runners who decided to tackle the 4km and 8km races at the inaugural BA cross-country meeting on Saturday.

Despite getting an unexpected extra when the advertised 4km course turned out to be a little more than 5km few, if any, were complaining.

Hoyle stormed to victory in the women’s division of the shorter race, completing the route in 24min 17sec.

Amanda Stuart and Lauren Knowles completed a JS Kintore Running Club whitewash of the podium positions by finishing second and third in 26:31 and 27:00.

Hoyle said: “It was a bit longer than expected but it was a good course with a lot of variety and some great scenery.

“It’s only my third cross-country race but

“This year I think I’ll try more trail races”

I enjoyed it. It’s good experience for me. It was tough but at least it was dry underfoot.

“I’m just getting back into my running. A hip injury I developed after the London marathon last April caught up with me in September and October, but I’m gradually getting fitter again.

“I am enjoying doing different types of runs, and the cross-country certainly makes you concentrate more on where you are placing your feet compared with the roads.

“This year I think I’ll try more trail races, perhaps the 15 mile one at Balmoral in April.

“I’ll also stick to half marathons on the road, with no marathons this year at all.”

Hoyle’s endurance strength certainly shone through as she went on to finish third in the women’s 8km less than two hours after her victory in the first race.