The Manchester Relays have proved a happy hunting ground for Cross Country over the years with the memories of a near victory in 2009 still present in most of the teams memory.
This year was no different with good solid performances across the board, dotted with excellent performances from David James Crizzle, Chris Smith and Bromwyn Hodgins.
The relays were contested over a 1.9 mile muddy cross country loop with six legs for the men and three for the women. Many quality universities and local clubs were in attendance with over 50 teams taking part.
The men’s A team got off to a fantastic start with fresher Beau Smith who brought the team home in 13th in a time of 9 minutes 45 seconds before passing on to fourth year Alex Bellew.
Unfortunately Alex suffered a few niggles leading up to the race so was not quite in personal best shape yet still managed to pull the team up to 12th in 9 minutes 45 seconds also. He then passed on to training partner and best mate Tom Powell who managed to pull up another spot in 9 minutes 55 seconds. It was then the turn of James Stringer the University’s fastest ever 800 metre runner to try his luck. James gained yet another spot to put the University in the top 10 with a time of10 minutes 2 seconds.
Chris Smith ran the fastest leg of the day for Leeds in a stunning 9 minute 37 second run to put Leeds in 6th just behind arch rivals Leeds Met who were sitting in 4th.
Dan Roberts took the last leg but unfortunately lost a few places in a very tight race to bring the University in at a very happy 11th.
The men’s B team also ran well to finish 22nd with some great runs from Glenn Phair and David James Crizzle.
The women’s A team got off to a great start with Lucy Crookes coming in 10th with a great 10.51 minutes, before passing on to Caroline Ford who maintained the position with her first cross country run of the season in 11.55. The team was brought home by Colleen Wilson in 11th position in what was an outstanding job over all.
The women’s B team also ran well to finish 21st, helped by the best women’s time of the day by Bronwyn Hodgins with 10.21 which was one of the fastest times of the day for any team. A genuinely stunning run.
This great day out starts what will be a long cross country season culminating in the BUCS cross country championships which this year will be held at our very own Boddington Fields.
Author: Tom Powell