Race Date: Saturday 3rd January 2026
When Abbie Haworth popped up on Strava running around a park in Nottingham in an apparently haphazard fashion (but still picking up crowns) we wondered what was happening? It then became clear that she was there to support Dan (5th and first M35) in the Derbyshire County Champs. She also gave Caroline Brock a shout, running for Derbyshire based on her residential status in this race which also incorporates the Nottinghamshire County Champs.
Caroline explains what happened. “Bulwell Hall Park was a pretty flat course with a couple of lumps, some woods, a big pile of mud in one spot but otherwise quite hard ground with the recent cold weather. It had two large laps making up its 6000m.
About halfway through the first lap I found myself as fourth Derbyshire (sixth overall) with two up ahead that I could see within reach, one of them being Derbyshire. I was closing on her towards the end and managed to pass with about 800m to go. At this point someone said you’re fighting for the final medal position! I ran as hard as I could and could hear her behind me all the way to the finish. I thought that she would have me in the final sprint but held my position with only a few seconds between us in the end and was certainly surprised to finish third. I really enjoyed the battle to the line, probably helped by the scraps I’ve had with Sarah Thorne throughout the South Yorkshire season!”
Blue skies and lots of grass although this lumpy bit would have been to Caroline’s liking. (Photo: Abbie Haworth)
Only a few years ago, the Inter-Counties XC was uncharted territory for Steel City but earning a county vest now seems quite normal. Winning an individual medal at the County Champs is a new level however.
| Pos | Name | Cat | Time |
| 3 (1) | Caroline Brock | F35 | 23:37 |
Link to full results: Derbyshire XC Champs 2026 50 finishers with a further 58 finishers in the Notts County Champs 2026. Interestingly, both Derbyshire and Notts award medals in the veterans categories whereas in Yorkshire only the seniors get a gong. Caroline was first F35 along the way but possibly happy enough with just the real thing.
Some rather cold looking ladies at the start. (Photo Derbyshire Athletics)