Ashley Scott.

Published: 30 January, 2014
by STEVE BARNETT

HORDES of Highgate Harriers bravely battled the cold and muddy conditions on Saturday to put in a tremendous team effort in their South of England Cross-Country Championships meet at Parliament Hill Fields.

Despite injuries, illnesses and the treacherous weather the hosts highlighted the strength and depth within the club as they managed to field a runner in every single race.

Among the top performers was 15-year-old Georgia Fear, who clocked a time of 20 minutes, 17 seconds to finish sixth out of a field of more than 150 runners in the Under-17s race.

Robel Bahelbi hit home in 39th place to help Highgate finish ninth out of 74 clubs in the senior men’s event.

Ryan McKinlay, 57th, Jonny Laybourn, 98th, Richard Scott, 105th, Ben Pochee, 117th, and Tom Christopher, 131st, also all scored vital points in the biggest event of the day, which attracted 986 runners.

Ashley Scott led the charge in the women’s race as she recorded a time of 36.27 to finish 86th out of a field of 466 runners.

Gemma Rous, 129th, Nora Rossberg, 149th, and Sophie Sheldrake, 161st, also scored points as Highgate finished 20th out of 72 clubs.

In the women’s Under-20s race Hannah Viner and Hattie Brock finished 21st and 38th respectively out of 78 finishers.

The Highgate Harriers also had a record number of young athletes running in the championships.

Among the top finishers in their respective age groups were Terry Fawden, Sam Willis, Sasha and Lillah Fear and Callum Anderson.