Stormont XC
There was an end of season feel to this event on Saturday 22nd February, which was the last event of the NI XC League and the last racing event in this busy winter season for us. It was also the last event in our internal men vs ladies XC competition, and part of our internal club championship, meaning we managed to get 27 athletes out on the day, 13 for the 4.6 mile Male Open event and 14 for the 3.3 mile Female Open event. Because of the prolonged heavy rain beforehand the event was converted from the traditional XC circuits to more of a trail race with the odd bit of soft ground. In all likelihood this also boosted the numbers overall as there were a larger variety of clubs present than in other XC events, and a number of unaffiliated runners who perhaps might have otherwise been put off by running in spikes in deep boggy ground.
Both races started at the same time meaning a fairly congested start in the trail sections which soon thinned out, particularly as ladies started to finish their 2 laps and men continued for the 3rd final one. Amongst the ladies Louise Lemon continues her great form finishing in 22m12s, Leann Gibson soon behind in 22m33s and Julie McKimm put in a great performance in 23m36s. Jacqui Maxwell showed that she wasn’t too fazed by her performance in Armagh on thursday, again coming 2nd in her age category with a time of 24m01s.
In the mens race, John Craig stuns us again with his time of 26m32s, only a couple of minutes behind the race leaders. Thomas Leitch finished in 27m10s and Graeme McNabb in 29m13s. Brian Todd finished well in 31m26s, coming 3rd in his age category.
As a result of this well organised, enjoyable event, the men retain the Titanic Trophy for narrowly pushing ahead of the ladies in points at XC this year. The club also gets a respectable position in the NI XC League for a good turnout in several of the events. Also Thomas Leitch extends his overall lead in the mens Club Championship with Raymond Leitch and John Craig 2nd and 3rd.