The Cross-Country season got off to a rather low-key start, as far as Kettering Town Harriers are concerned, as a mere 14 members made their way to Derby’s Markeaton Park for the first round of the North Midlands League.
In weather that was not as warm as had been forecast, only the KTH senior men managed to field a full team. Several of the club’s talented young endurance athletes were resting prior to the National Road Relay finals next weekend.
The men ran well, finishing 10th of the 20 senior teams. Leading the way was Jonathan Goringe, who showed he is on the path back to full fitness by finishing in 19th place overall (4th Junior). Next home was Terry Toseland in an impressive 33rd place (6th Vet 40). He was followed by Jake Waples, who made a good debut over the full 10K distance finishing 49th (8th Junior). Andrew Clawson had his usual consistent run in 117th, followed by Shane Smith (162nd) and Paul Young (167th). Peter Goringe was the last Harrier home as usual, finishing 217th in a field of 245. Alan Rain completed around 4K before having to retire due to some rather nasty symptoms.
Elsewhere, Kettering runners were very thin on the ground. Tabatha Walford was a fine 9th in the mixed Under 11 race; she was the second girl to finish. Rebecca Hughes (20th) and Danielle Gaskell (22nd) were also in the top half of the field.
Liam Kirk returned to the scene of his greatest triumph, but could not quite repeat his win in the equivalent race at Derby two years ago. Nonetheless, 13th in a very competitive Under 15 section, was a fine achievement. On the girls’ side, Lauren Mehmet ran well for 23rd. The final KTH runner was Matt Stewart who finished a highly respectable 19th in the Under 17 race.