More than 9000 athletes across the age groups had entered the Sacouny English national cross country in the stunning grounds of Harewood House at Leeds .Although the course was challenging and the weather a little to warm, underfoot conditions were dry resulting in fast times for the 26 Kendal athletes AAC members who returned to this great event

At 14 years of age  Fraser Sproul knew just what lay ahead, his experience at this level and race ability saw him mixing with the leaders from the gun . Eventual winner Alexandra Thompson of Wharfedale harriers claimed victory over the 4k in 13.27 with Fraser just out of the medals in 5^th 13.50 .There was just 45 secs between Daniel Sanderson 99^th Harry Bowen and Ben Greenep. It was a tough day for Henry Hunter who showed great strength of character at the end of a very long and successful season . 346 ran

Jack Barker lead the U13 boys home  127^th in 11.36 , with George Dodgson just 34 secs behind 161 and Sam Greenep 13.12 .408 boys ran 3k

Competition was fierce for the U17 men but Jacob Smith 111^th place out of 272 was a great result covering 6k 21.45

The U13 girls 3k was won by Scarlet Livingstone in 10.52 but all eyes were on Kendal’s  Sarah Smith who turned in another stunning performance 20^th in 11.33. Leven Valley Georgia Bell had a great run 56^th in 11.55 . With yet another year in this age group Sophie Cowen used her race ability to the maximum 104^th 12.16 In her first major race Ella Martindale ran bravely in 13.55 . with 418 taking part.

In the junior men’s 10 k  Luke Bowen had a great race 63^rd in 31.25 . Running the cross country may not be Rueben Copley’s favourite discipline but 34.34 is one more strengthening race as the track season approach’s

In the senior ladies 8k Emily Hosker Thornhill was untouchable winning by 11 secs  .After her only seconds split the following ladies and although not quite as fit as she would like, Sarah Tunstall came home to support her club with a stunning 34^th place in a field of 1034  After a traumatic car journey Rebecca Robinson only just made the start but came through to finish 61^st . Jackie Nowell, Hazel Clark, Helen Greenep and Dianne Priestley finished within 44 seconds of each other. Followed by Carolyn Kevan, Sue Booth and Joanne Pennington.

Watching the leaders in a field of 2006 senior men was breath taking and the sprint for the line after 12k was something else Mohamed Mohamad of Southampton took victory by 1 second 36.34 over Emile Cairess of Leeds. Jonny Dry flew the flag for Kendal 191^st in 41.27  followed by Matt Doey 45.27 and Duncan Copley 50.30 just out of the top half of the field.

Dianne Priestley

• Cross Country