Herne Hill Harriers youngsters ventured to for their first match in the Downs league for U11/13/15s boys & girls. Fresh from competing the previous day at the National cross country relays in Mansfield the league gives athletes the chance to compete for the first time and gain experience especially for under 11s.
Just before the race a rainstorm hit the Downs which conspired to last throughout the races soaking the runners, spectators and officials, despite the horrible conditions the red and black hoops were well to the fore winning three individual races and two agegroups.
Christo Chilton won the U11 race for boys and girls by 18 seconds leading throughout and Eva Holland was first U11 girl to finish – indeed we had the first six U11 girls to finish. Our A (Christo, Eva, Emily Marchant & Maysie Collis) and B teams (Poppy Craig McFeely, Jess Butland, Annabella Bailey and Stewart Bartsch) were first two teams to finish. Of the sixteen under 11s to finish several were having their first cross country races and we had 13 of the top 18 finishers
In the U13 boys and girls race Mohammed Ali and Jacob Ali who had been in our team who finished fourth in Mansfield were first and second with our first U13 girl Ursula Hall who was second girl to finish. Again we had the first two teams home in the team event
In the U15 boys and girls race our first finisher was Daniel Craig-McFeely in ninth place followed by Joel Cruygegan in 13th & our first girl home was Jemina Haward-Bhikha in 26th. Our U15 team finished fourth. In all 31 youngsters ran on the day despite the appalling conditions, well done to everyone who ran and supported the runners
Next Downs League match is Sunday 30th November first race 10.45 am