Midlands glory for Mansfield Harriers
The 2026 Midland Cross Country Championships were held on a challenging muddy course at Mallory Park with Mansfield Harriers looking for medals after superb performances at the County Championship and North Midlands League.
The club exceeded all expectations coming away with three gold medals one silver and two bronze which is the best ever haul Mansfield have picked up at the event and clearly shows Mansfield are moving in the right direction.
The Under 20 men and women were outstanding as they both came away with clear team wins to be crowned Midland Champions. Eddie Holden is more known as a track racer, however, this year he has had an excellent cross country season and he put in a phenomenal run to be crowned Midland Champion with Jacob Nugent taking bronze and Ed Sankey 4th.
After two recent non athletic related fractures Luke McGarry-Kirk answered the last minute call for a fourth athlete battling his way round to finish in 30th which ensured the team gold medal. For the women superb packing was the key to victory with Katrina Prior 9th, Katie Leese 12th and Amy Newbould 16th.
The Mansfield men continue to improve year on year and this year travelled to Mallory with hopes of chasing a first senior team medal at a Midland Cross Country Championship. A terrific team effort saw them rewarded with a bronze medal. Recent addition James McCrae has significantly strengthened the team and ran strongly to be first Harrier to finish in 6th with Alex Hampson right behind in 7th. Super packing from the team saw Liam Watson 20th, Chris Patterson 26th, Jan Bailey 43rd, Dan Nugent 61st and Andy Granville 130th.
The Under 13 girls came out in force and four fantastic performances gave the team an unexpected silver medal. The pocket rocket Scarlett Brumfitt was first Harrier back in 15th with Esme Evans close behind in 21st, the much improved Catherine Rivis 23rd and having her best run of the winter Evelyn Wheat 41st.
Molly Peel joined the club recently and has been impressive in races ever since, having a superb run in the senior ladies race to come home in 11th. Outstanding runs were also seen in the Under 15 girls race where Evie Clifton placed 8th and Isla Millns 11th. The under 13 boys also ran strongly with Harvey Evans coming in 15th and Jack Whysall 22nd.