Parliament Hill a perfect spot for stars to rule roost

A glorious, crisp winter’s day greeted thousands of runners from all corners of England for the national championship held at the home of cross country running, Parliament Hill Fields.

After last year’s enforced postponement, there was a real sense of anticipation with individual and team prizes up for grabs.

There was much to cheer as Sussex ahletes continued their rich vein of form gaining top three placings in both under-13 races.

Chichester athletes played their part in no uncertain fashion and set club records in the two oldest men’s events both for individuals and teams.

The under-17 girls who were first to race, meaning an early alarm call for runners and supporters alike.

Chichester were at full strength and were one of few clubs in the country to field six runners in this age group.

Any position in the top couple of hundred in these championships is hard fought and Cerys Dickinson led the squad home in 169th with Isabelle Isitt 206th, Amy Peters 230th and Marcie Faggeter 234th to bring their scoring four in 17th position, second Sussex club after county champions Crawley.

Useful back-up was provided by Tamsin Anelay in 242nd and Gemma Appleton in 253rd to round off a fantastic season after a clean sweep of Sussex medals in the relays, league and championships.

Five Sussex clubs fielded full under-15 teams with county champions Lewes a fine fourth in the team rankings.

Brighton & Hove were 22nd with Chichester beating both Brighton Phoenix and Crawley to be third Sussex team on the day and 33rd in the country.

There was a good race to be first Chichester scorer with Carrie Anelay just getting the better of Florence Ingram in 149th and three places ahead of her team mate.

Anya Barrett was close behind in 215th with Millie Isitt 240th . Illness and injury robbed the club of a team in the under-15 boys’ race but Ben Ward gained great experience in his first national race to finish 184th.

There was much to celebrate in the senior races with Chichester’s menachieving their highest ever individual position at this event plus the best ever team placing.

To cap the day, the men’s team met Leleu’s housemate at Loughborough, double Olympic medalist Alex Yee, who anchored GB to team gold in the inaugural triathlon mixed relay in Tokyo.