Silver delight for runners

Sunshine and perfect running conditions greeted the athletes who gathered at the UEA playing fields to compete in the Norfolk AAA Cross-Country Championships, and Wymondham AC entrants came away with some medals.

It was disappointing the number of competitors was small, but nevertheless spectators were treated to some gutsy running and fierce competiton.

In the ladies' race Wymondham was represented through Sharon Hurren, Kim Reader, Juliet Cox and Tracy Stevens. The 6k course tested their strength and endurance, but they all finished strongly and Sharon, Kim and Juliet picked up the county silver team medals.

In-form Phil Waity, the only entrant from Wymondham AC in the under-20 age group, had an excellent run, finishing third overall.

Wymondham fielded a full masters team (men over 40). Gerry Watson, Graham Coleman, Russell Cox and Mark Tufts had a close battle over the 9k course. Helping each other along as a team, they finished closely bunched in second team position, as only four runners count for a team. WAC's final runner, Rodney Freeburn missed out on a county silver medal.

The small number of runners did not do justice to the prestige of these championships. First staged almost 100 years ago when competitors over 25 were considered to be too old to take part, it might be time to re-assess the rules. By having more age groups, it might boost the entries and re-establish the event's prestige and clout.