One month in and already some exciting things are happening for C&C in 2025. Before that though, the last week of 2024 provided some excellent performances to end the year.
Boxing Day 4 Mile Race
After a one year absence, the traditional Cambridge Boxing Day 4 mile run took place. There is a trophy for this race which was first awarded in 1957, at the original Cambridge 4 mile Road Race. In more recent years it has become more of a C&C post-Christmas fun event.
In good running conditions, Thomas Bridger stormed home to take first place in a time of 20:59.
Well done to all that turned-out to run, and thank you to those that helped marshal, and especially to Chris Hurcomb for organising.
Above: Thomas Bridger with his well-earned trophy.
Podium 5k’s, Battersea Park
Also at the end of 2024, the renowned Podium 5k races were held at Battersea Park. The event saw some fine C&C performances including an amazing 18 second Personal Best for Tom Keen who finished a very close 2nd in an unbelievable time of 13:49. This time puts Tom 3rd on C&C’s All-time record list, and equal 10th in the UK rankings for 2024.
Above: Tom powers to the line! (Credit to Chris Barnes for use of the photo).
Other C&C athletes setting new P.B.’s on the day included Dan Collis and Lucy Drummond in times of 16:56 and 18:18 respectively.
Above: Dan and Lucy celebrate their new P.B.’s
Ely 10K
Concluding 2024, there was more C&C success at the Ely 10k, with Alex Melloy and Chris Darling taking the top 2 places (in times of 32:26 and 32:40 respectively). Holly Archer was the first woman home in 34:32. She was 6th overall, and almost 4 minutes clear of her nearest rival!
Cambridgeshire Cross Country Championships
So, into the new year, and the first big event, the Cross Country County Championships. It was tough going on a wet and muddy course, but our athletes showed great strength and determination. On the day, C&C had 8 new County Champions:
Dexter Shephard (U11 Boys),
Hattie Roques (U13 Girls),
Harry Cantell (U15 Boys),
Jasmine Christmas (U15 Girls),
Sandy Mcdonald (U17 Men),
Cressida Hughes (U17 Women),
Ben Jones (Senior Men), (pictured below)
Jenny Leggate (U20 Women),
Ellen Leggate (W45).
C&C also won no less than seven Team titles! This included the Senior Women’s Race where all three of the podium positions were taken by C&C runners!
Above: L. to R. – Isabel Mansley (3rd), Jenny Leggate (1st), Ellen Leggate (2nd)
Well done to everyone that took part, you all helped to make it another magnificent day for the Club.
South of England Cross Country Championships
C&C’s excellent U15 Boys team were out in force again at the Southerns! Finn Maclennan took the title, with Harry Cantell and Harrison Pearson not far behind. The team came level on points with winners, Herne Hill Harriers, being pushed back to second place on count back. So close!
Jenny Leggate won her 2nd big title of the month by taking the U20 Southern crown, coming home almost a minute clear of her nearest rival. What a start to the year for her!
Well done to all that represented C&C at these Championships. It’s great to see our athletes out competing in big races like this.
Coming-up – Next Frostbite League Match
With the 4th race in the series being cancelled, there are now just two races to go. The penultimate race is on Sunday 2nd February at King’s Lynn. This is a pivotal fixture. Thanks to the team’s amazing efforts so far, we are currently just 1 point behind the leading club. If we do well in this race the senior team could go into the final match in March with a chance of winning the League for the first time since 2012, and for only the 3rd time in the Club’s entire history. It would be great if we can make this happen. Please try and be there and be part of the team if you possibly can. The junior race starts at 9.45, and the Senior race at 10.30. All you need is your C&C vest, and a determination to enjoy yourself and have a good run! Full details are on the club website. If you are struggling to get there, please ask for help.
So, a great start to 2025. Let’s build-on this and keep it going. Many more challenges and big events to come. Good luck with your training and competing in February. Have a great month.