The tremendous trio of Eimear Griffin, Eloise O’Shaughnessy and Alex Brown became national U13 cross country relay champions on Saturday in a dominant display at Mansfield.
Racing in the annual ECCA National Relays at Berry Park, Griffin led Harriers off and handed over to O’Shaughnessy in 10th place, but only 23 seconds behind the leading team. O’Shaughnessy then ran the fastest time of any second leg athlete, passing every runner ahead of her in the process. Brown – who now has won five national titles – had to be at her very best as her second place rival from Tonbridge AC ran the fastest individual leg time of the day, but was still unable to catch Brown.
Remarkably, a Harriers B team comprising Kayah Wilks, Lucy Olsen and Lily Newton was fourth in the same race. A U15G team finished just outside the medals in fifth in their race.
Herne Hill’s senior athletes were also in relay action, but closer to home at the Reigate Priory Relays. Three senior women’s teams represented Harriers, finishing fourth, 15th and 31st respectively. Karen Ellison, on the first leg for the A team, was the third fastest individual on the day, and was ably supported by good runs from Helen Hadjam and Leva Lobacivte.
Harriers senior men’s A team finished 10th out of 41 teams. Alan Barnes – another first leg runner – was the fourth fastest individual, with second leg man John Kettle the eleventh quickest. The quartet was completed by Eric Dol and Rupert Mainwaring. A Harriers men’s B team finished 24th.
A contingent of Harriers athletes also raced at the Dulwich parkrun, with V50 Vic Maughn finishing fifth in 17 minutes, 43 seconds. Robin Sanderson was sixth in 17.47; Tom Levitt and Louis Waterman-Evans both ran personal bests, clocking 18.30 and 18.33 to finish 14th and 15th respectively.