The women’s race sets off

Published: 12 February, 2015
by STEVE BARNETT

THE Highgate Harriers’ men’s team celebrated in style after winning the Metropolitan Cross-Country League for a third year in a row. 

Until 2013 Highgate's men had never won the prestigious competition since it was formed in 1966. But that has certainly all changed with the triumphant team, made up of runners from across Camden and Islington, having now secured a hat-trick of wins. 

The Highgate men celebrate

In Saturday’s fifth and final fixture at Wormwood Scrubs the Harriers were once again a formidable force as they had five runners in the top 11, and all 12 of their scorers in the first 48 places out of a field of 377 finishers. 

162 Lucy McGuiness completes her 6,000m run in 32.54

Phil Wylie led the charge as he earned his highest ever position in the league when he finished the 8,000m course in 24 minutes 57 seconds to take second place, hitting home five seconds behind winner Mohamud Aadan from Thames Valley Harriers. 

Audun Nordtveit was third in 25:03, while club-mates Shaun Dixon, who took sixth place in 25:22, and Ben Noad, who was 10th with a time of 26:07, were also in the top 10. 

Having won the division one title last year, Highgate's women team had to settle for third place this year. 

Phil Wylie (429), with club-mate Audun Nordtveit hot on his heels 

However, when their results were combined with the men’s team there was further reason for athletes from the club to start cheering. 

Highgate had managed to see off tough competition from rival clubs Serpentine, London Heathside and Shaftesbury Barnet to capture the prestigious Howard Williams Senior Trophy. 

Highgate’s men’s 'B' team also enjoyed succes as they finished second in Division Two, gaining promotion to the top flight next season. 

The men's Under-17s side just missed out on top spot in their league as they finished just one point behind winners Trent Park following a frantic final race day.