Rugby and Northampton mens cross country team started the season in fine style with a superb set of runs at the first Birmingham League race at Cheltenham. The initial mile saw two R and N athletes in a large leading bunch of around 20 athletes. As the bunch stretched out, international tri- athlete George Goodwin was in the middle of the group showing his strength after his recent 6th position at the European Middle Distance triathlon championships. George went on to finish an outstanding 12th position. A mere 6 seconds behind George in 16th position came MussAb Hassan. MussAb is only 17 years old and was competing in his first ever senior cross country race – a truly outstanding talent! The next R and N athlete was Will Gardner, who worked his way through the field in the second of the three laps to finish in 24th position, a further 24 seconds behind. The next R and N athlete was Alistair McDonnel in a solid 52nd position. Then came another 17 year old, Abedom Beyenne, also making his debut over the 6 mile distance in 66th position. The team was anchored by Ultra specialist Stephen Marks, who just finished outside the top 100 in 103rd position. This placed the team in 6th position overall – the best ever start to a season!! The next race is on December 1st at Warley Woods and R and N will again look to field a really strong team.
Full results below
http://www.birminghamccleague.co.uk/images/stories/bdccl/articlepdfs/XC_League_Archive/2018-19/2018-11-10-M1.pdf
