Strong Performance from Mansfield Harriers at National Cross Country Relays
The 2025 National Cross Country Relays returned to Berry Hill with the competitors facing a new course designed by Pat Carlan following the recent developments on the park.
Over 5000 athletes and spectators travelled to Mansfield for the competition, with the host club Mansfield Harriers having a terrific day with six teams making the top 25. The championship consisted of teams of three for all the races except the senior men who had four.
Racing over 2000 metres the Under 15 girls continue to shine at a national level with the team placing a superb 13th. Olivia Wright went out first and put in a terrific run recording 7.17, backed up by Isla Millns 7.52 and Myanie Westwood 7.53. The lone B team athlete was Maisie Lowe who continues her significant recent improvement with 8.15. Showing great promise, the two Under 13 girls teams put in pleasing performances as they placed 21st and 56th.
Esme Evans had a career best performance leading out the A team recording 7.59 followed by Scarlett Brumfitt 8.15 and Catherine Rivis 8.17. Lauren Pate finished in 8.53 for the B team with Daisy Brewster 9.37 and Evelyn Wheat 9.08. Also racing over 2000 metres the Under 15 boys came in 70th and 83rd with Teddy Macintyre recording 7.26 on leg 1 but a mix up from the officials meant Harry Tonks went out late and as such was given a time of 8.13 with Minhea Radu clocking 7.12. Oliwier Macutkiewicz ran 7.58 on leg 1 for the B team with James Grovier coming home in 8.09 and Will McClemens 8.42.
Two strong Under 20 men teams came home 12th and 20th, racing over 3000 metres Jude Ryan 9.12, Jacob Nugemt 9.18 and Johar Ali 9.19 completed the A with Ed Sankey 9.29, an outstanding 8.59 for Eddie Holden and Reece Carver 9.52 for the B. Racing over the same distance the Under 17 boys came 59th through Charlie Taylor 10.28, Jack Pares 10.00 and Dan Adams 10.51 for the A with Olivier Buglass 11.33 and Hugo Welsby 10.53 for the B.
Under 20 Beth Hamilton continues her superb current form as she came home on first leg in 8.57 on the 2500 metre course. She was followed by Grace Manson 10.08 and Katie Leese 10.51 as the team placed 16th with Amy Newbould the lone athlete in the B team finishing in 11.22. Also racing over 2500 metres the Under 17 women placed 34th with Keira Morley clocking 10.25, Maisy Slack 12.00 and Emily Pares 10.53.
Racing over 5000 metres the senior men had three strong teams running, placing 22nd, 63rd and 106th. James McCrae was first out for the A recording 15.38, followed by Alex Hampson 15.40, Paul Wright 16.23 and Liam Watson 16.34. For the B first out was Josh Mitchell who ran 17.31 with Will Sullivan 17.05, Dan Wheat 17.49 and Jordan Boam 1823. Drew Hurst had a terrific first leg for the C squad recording 17.59, with Chris Gabbott 19.49, Ben McClemens 20.14 and Andy Wetherill 22.47.
The senior women raced over 3000 metres with the Mansfield teams placing 55th, 61st and 70th. Hannah Wragg continues her recent form with 11.50 on leg 1 for the A team with Kath Malone 12.32 and Sophie Toyn 12.25. Sarah Maston was first out for the B coming home in 13.00 with Kirsty Fairbain-Wint 12.49 and Cristina Dinescu 12.28. Returning from an impressive spell of training at University Amelia Corke recorded 12.02 for the C team with Gillian Newbould finishing in 13.14 and Claire Watson 14.51