There were so brilliant performances from the squad competing in the toughest cross country conditions, in the perhaps most iconic cross country course there is, Parliament Hill fields, situated in London’s Hampstead Heath, with wonderful views of the London Skyline.
The London skyline, wonderful backdrop for the iconic Parliament Hill National XC
The course is one for the XC purist, with the iconic charge up parliament hill from the start, with a tough undulating course, and with conditions very wet on the day with ankle deep mud in places the course was a gruelling test for the athletes who participated.
The Harriers strong U15G led the way with all three girls running their best ever races in a National Championships.
KTH's Strong U15G squad, (left to right) Marianna Owen, Clara Booth & Millie Sharp
Marianna Owen had a magnificent run to finish in 16th place and lead the charge despite not enjoying muddy conditions. Owen got a brilliant start and was with the leading pack after in infamous hilly start, and she managed to stick with the leading pack throughout the exceptionally tough course over 2km which has a series of significant hills. Owen paced the race well, charging towards the finish line in the fast downhill section she finished in 18:14 with her highest ever National XC Championship finish.
Brilliant 16th place finish for Marianna Owen, her best placing in a National XC Championship
Clara Booth who is in fabulous form setting recent significant indoor PB’s in the 800 & 1500m transitioned into the different conditions well and enjoyed a fabulous race with a top 50 finish. Booth got off to a great start ensuring she did not overcook the start, and held her position throughout the race finishing in a superb 44th place in 19:12, again her best ever finish at a National XC Championship.
Clara Booth with a superb run to finish in 44th place
Millie Sharp also enjoyed a super race to finish in 128th (20:57), despite starting a little cautiously in the conditions and seems to be on her way to full fitness, Sharp ensured she saved a bit for the fast finish and enjoyed a battle to line with just 2 seconds separating 6 athletes, this was easily her best finish in a National XC Championship as well. There were 306 athletes who finished the U15G race!
Millie Sharp (center) battling in the fast downhill section of the race
There was few other athletes opting to run at the National but U17 Charlotte Jackson who was the sole competitor in the U17W race, ran a respectable race to finish in 185th, with Ellis Johnson also the sole representation in the U20M race also finishing in a respectable 170th place.
For most of the squad the focus shifts to the final XC races of the long season with Inter-Counties on the 08th March and the finale and most prestigious race in the calendar, English Schools on 15th March.
Well done to everyone!