Race Report by Dot Kesterton

Seven Steel City Striders joined their England Masters counterparts at the annual Cross Country trial race in Crewe to run for a qualifying place in the Home International race in Leeds in November. The first three in each age group will get a place and others may go on the reserve list.

All photos by Mick Hall

The course is straightforward by Sheffield standards. A shorter circuit around farm fields liberally decorated with tussocky grass, sections of gravel, cow pats and ankle breaking divots followed by a longer circuit. Measuring just short of five km and with only 53metres of climb It was going to be a fairly speedy test of our cross-country skills right at the beginning of the season.

Jed Turner M65 put in a blistering run to finish in 19.02mins; 8th M of 36; 31st of 100 runners. Watch out for Jed as the season unfolds. Those M65’s really are worth watching.

Lucy Broom W50 stormed in next in 21.15 mins, 7th W50; 39th F of 65. Lucy is currently focused on marathon training for the upcoming England representation marathon in October.

Fiona Jeffries W55 ran a good race in 21.38 mins just beating her time from last year. Fiona was 7th W55 and 42nd F of 65.

Rob Pearson M70 ran well finishing in 21.39, 8th M70 and 20th M of 36.

Dot Kesterton W70 finished in 23.30, 2nd W70 and 54th F.

Louise Rowley W70 finished in 24.45, 5th W70 and 61st F.

Carol Beattie W70, coming back from injury finished in 29.42, 6th W70 and 64th F.

Full results:

England Masters Selection Race 2025 (Betley Ct Farm) – Results