Lee Merrien again proved his class to win the annual Boxing Day 4.75M Cross Country by a 2 minute margin in 24 minutes 28 seconds. The GB athlete was some way off his course record of 23 minutes 2 seconds but still comfortably clear of a large field that boasted 116 finishers in the main race and 18 finishers in the junior 2.8 mile event.
Whilst the runaway leader drew clear a great race for the minor places was developing. Last year’s winner Rick Weston of Serpentine had started quickly but was reeled in by in form locals Matt Loveridge, Ed Mason and Dave Emery. Just after the half-way point 16 year old Mason took the initiative and within the next mile had drawn 70metres clear of the chasers and looked to have the runners up spot in his hands but Loveridge dug in over the final mile and reeled him in gradually. When the duo came into sight of the finish the gap was a mere 20 meters and with 300m remaining the island’s fastest 800m runner of 2015 had swept past the young steeplechase star and finished in 26 minutes 28 seconds to Mason’s 26:34.
In 7th overall Sarah Mercier clocked an impressive 28:07 and was the only woman below the 30 minute barrier. Louise Perrio finished next in 31:02 and in a close finish for third Kate Wilesmith just held off Chantal Green to finish 6 seconds clear in 32 minutes 50 seconds.
Sam Culverwell was an impressive winner of the 2.8M event for Under 15s and finished over 2 minutes clear in 15 minutes 24 seconds. In a great race between two improving under 13s Lorcan Gallagher just held off Chris Bain to finish a second in 17:51.
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A big thank you to helpers:-
Course Marking. Louise Perrio, Jim De Garis, Phil Nicolle, Mel Nicolle, Sarah Mercier, Matt Loveridge, Warwick Helps, Michael Batiste + Takedown Pete Wickins, Brian Holden & Terry Harnden
Finish Recording:- Chris O’Neill, Jacqueline Bonner, Dawn Scholes, Abi Galpin, Michelle Galpin, Catherine Taylor, Sara Marley. Results:- Sam Ingrouille
Marshalls:- Josh Allaway, Cameron Chalmers, Matt Mason, Tristan Robilliard, Nick Marley, Linda Moroney, Debbie Guillou, Paula Ingrouille, Pete Wickins.