The second Advisa Hepburn Oracle Cross Country Series took place last Saturday at the grounds of St. George’s Preparatory School. Results here: oct-29 2011
The extremely warm and sunny weather saw a good turn out as 59 children completed the course which was an anti clockwise loop through the woods of the school. The start was by the school and the route consisted of a run round the edge of the lawn before dropping down a gradual descent into the woods. On reaching the bottom of the wood there was an extremely steep ascent which brought the runners back onto the edge of the lawn. This course will be the most exacting race of the series.
The first race of the day was a combined under 9 age group with boys and girls placings counting separately. The tough course held no fears for Luke Killian who sped through the woods winning by a margin of twenty seconds. Dan Rodirck was second followed by a bunch of girls and boys. Third runner home and winning the girl’s race was Lily Scott in a time of 4 minutes 41 seconds closely followed some 8 seconds adrift by Ellie Boustouler. Next runner was Ben Godel for the boys whilst Katie Doyle held off a fast finishing Tilly Bertram and Lucie Hardisty for third place in the girl’s race.
The girl’s 9-10 age groups completed an extra loop of the lawn in full sight of the spectators. There were twelve girls in this race with three competing for the lead when entering the woods. They remained close until two of the girl’s pulled away up the hill in the woods. On entering the arena the two girls were extremely close with Florence Gothard holding off Olivia Mehigan by two seconds. A tiring Jennifer Cullen just held off Adele Maher to finish third.
The boys 9-10 age group closely followed with seventeen runners taking part. After the run around the lawn and on entering the woods only a few seconds separated the seventeen runners but those at the back lost valuable seconds as the congestion hit the narrow path on the descent. Seven boys at the front remained in touch with each other upon entering the arena with only some eight seconds separating them. This led to an exciting finish and with the crowd cheering a much improved Isaac Du Val sprinted to the finish holding off Jack Hardisty and Myles Byron by a few seconds.
The final race of the day also included seventeen runners in the combined 11-14 age group. This group run two loops through the woods with the first loop cutting off the arena and the second loop taking in the arena. In the boy’s 11-12 race William Brown proved too strong in beating Jack Leerson and Sam Maher. In the girl’s 11-12 race Yasmine Lookess comfortably won from Alia Byron with a tie for third place between Jodie Yettram and Alecia Ibbotson. In the girl’s 13-14 race Gemma Gothard held off a spirited run from Catherine Billington and Ella Nichols.
After the race Advisa Hepburn Oracle medals were presented to the first three home in each race whilst six pairs of cinema tickets were given too those runners whose race numbers were drawn in a lucky dip. Thanks must also go to St georges Preparatory School for allowing the use of their splendid grounds. Runners are also advised that every runner competing six out of the seven races will receive a Advisa Hepburn Oracle sweat shirt.
The next race in the series is at St. Ouen’s Manor on Saturday 19th November. For further details contact Peter Hinds on 862436.
