Not the National X-Country Champs

Not the National X-Country Champs on Sat 22nd Feb 2014

Now into its 26th running, the status of this fine event was confirmed by the presence of 12 runners (a 50% rise from last year), as well as the sighting of one runner (Tim Spencer) who hadn't been seen at a Dark Peak event since Feb 23rd 2013 - which surely meant that he had been training all year for Not The Nationals. Others had warmed up by running from neighbouring valleys in order to arrive in a state of perfect readiness (Dave Holmes).

Although the weather was clement, the sunny skies and almost spring-time temperatures bringing the majority out in shorts, local wildlife made the challenge of two laps around the Rivelin course more difficult than usual. Firstly, there was the profusion of horses grouped around a stile at the end of the starting field, but they showed good character whilst runners darted in between hind regions [not sure this is quite what the RO means, but you'll catch his general drift; ed.]. There were also groups of dogs at strategic intervals, including the river crossing, yet they too showed decorum, unlike one of their owners who complained that her animal was eating the flour markings that the club chaplain and course consultant (Alan Yates) had put out (twice, since the first lot were erased by the rain the night before)!

As for the route, it was clear to see that navigation still played a part in this event, as some competitors went adrift, including David Lund and Carl Betts, who had surrendered an early advantage when I caught them back-tracking around Hag Lane allotments. This helped supervet Gavin Williams prevail to become the undisputed Dark Peak Cross Country Champion of 2014. Well done Gavin and many thanks to Alan and Sue for taking charge of course marking and to Paul Elliot for timekeeping. Simon