English National Cross Country Championships - 24 February 2001 - Durham

Lincoln Wellington’s Rachael Nathan crowned a fairytale cross country season by winning the under 15 girl’s race at the National Championships at Durham’s Maiden Castle circuit. She was in the leading quartet right from the gun and turned to face the long finishing straight shoulder to shoulder with UK number one Katrina Wootton from Bedford. With a large crowd and near demented commentator giving both girls maximum support it was the Wellington youngster whose perfectly timed challenge proved decisive. Grantham’s Steven Ablitt had already bagged the under 17 men’s title and Nathan’s second gold medal of the day for the county completed a stupendous day for Lincolnshire athletics.

There was another very good Wellington performance in the under 15 girls race with Nicola Hale running very positively to finish 68th. Emily Taylor and Alice Thomas completed the scoring quartet in 128th and 132nd places respectively to give the team 9th place overall – a commendable effort in view of the absence of Natasha Johnson who was recovering from illness. Sarah Coates did well to finish 170th with Poppy Lister 184th and Carly Gilbert 186th.

In the junior men’s race, which was jam packed with quality performers, Matt Bowser again proved that he is a class act with a strong run for 13th place. Two more years in the age group will give him every opportunity to confirm his talent.

Jason Hall had probably his best run of the season to finish 78th in the under 17 men’s race but Richard Ellis was some way further back in 133rd spot after a fairly cautious start.

There was another promising effort from Stacey Woods who crossed the line in 60th place in the under 13 girl’s race. Kelly Gilbert was next home for the club in 121st place with Rachel Humberstone 183rd and Elizabeth Samways 228th.

Claire Gregory took a last minute decision to run in a huge senior women’s field and was very pleased with her run for 96th place. And Vicky Roach also enjoyed the big time atmosphere with her run for 98th spot in the under 20 women’s race.

Full results from all age groups can be found here.

Contact LWAC via	at info@lwac.org.uk (general enquiries) at website@lwac.org.uk (for website updates, news, results or comments)
Return to previous page
Return to LWAC Home page