Ignoring the rain and the clocks changing, 9 intrepid Highgate Harriers made their way to Cassiobury Park in Watford on Sunday for the Herts and Middlesex Masters Cross country championships. All returned to North London with medals in this the Middlesex AA Centenary year. First to battle the elements and a tricky footwear decision were the over 50 men. While there was plenty of mud and hills, there were extensive gravel path sections and even a tarmacked bridge over the Grand Union canal. First to show his mettle was Chris Beecham, who emerged 2nd to Martin Potter of London Heathside. Hot on his heels was Duncan Burbidge in 5th followed by Andrew Russell 10th and Mark Watson 11th. This was enough for team Silver.
Next were the women and unusually, the over 60 men combined race. Alex Davidson prevailed in 28:10 for a short 4 miles course, backed up by John O’Shea in 5th and Chris Bailey in 7th. This was enough for team gold.
In the women’s race, Sabina Russell, who has improved spectacularly over a busy cross country season, was in the hunt for more medals from the get go. The 57 years old, who is training for next month’s London Marathon, blitzed round in 30:49. She was rewarded with 2nd overall, but 1st in her age category. 4 minutes behind, Natasha Cendrowicz hung on to 5th, but was 3rd in her age category. The first female to finish was former Olympian (2012 marathon), Claire Hallissey, running for host club Dacorum AC, in 29:20.