MCCAIN UK INTER-COUNTIES CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

A gallant run by Oxfordshire star Melissa Hawtin gave her a well deserved bronze
medal in the U17 Women's race in the McCain UK Inter Counties Cross-Country
Championships at Wollaton Park, Nottingham . In cool, dry conditions the Oxford
City athlete coped well with the testing course to lead her team to 21st place from the
35 competing teams from all over Great Britain.
The best team results for Oxfordshire went to went to the U13 & U15 Girls' teams
who both finished 15th from the 40 or so teams taking part. The U13 Girls were led
home by Beth Hawtin (9th) and the U15 Girls by Imogen Kempton (45th).
Tom Biegel was first Oxon U13 Boy home in 29th place whilst Harry Robertson led
in the U15 Boys in 69th. Jacob Simmons had a strong run for 77th in the Under 17
Men's race.
Tim Traynor was the Oxfordshire class act in the Under 20 men's event over 8K
achieving a very creditable 35th . In the corresponding Women's race Milly Kempton
(75th) just edged out Megan Roberts (80th).
Junior team manager Paul Kelsey can be very proud of his youngsters for their
courageous efforts. Invaluable experience is gained in these national events and it
takes a great deal of courage to race in such exalted company with the added
pressures this brings from coaches, family and friends alike. It is quite understandable
that, on the day, nerves can affect performances.
Oxfordshire Senior Men had rather a disappointing day managing 21st place from 32
teams. Steve Kimber was first Oxfordshire runner home completing the 12K course
in 40:54. Owain Bristow was 90th in 41:13 and Darrell Bellinger 116th in 41:44.
Helen Barnes completed the 8K Senior Women's course in 32:49 for overall 118th.
Lauren Kyte and Diane Moore were 2nd & 3rd Oxfordshire finishers in 128th & 142nd.

Full results and pictures attached