England National Cross

Eleven Walton athletes made the short trip on Saturday to compete in Nationals at the iconic venue Parliament Hill with the traditional uphill start. With a tremendous atmosphere and big fields taking to the start line in each race to charge up the famous start there was some impressive performances.

In the under 13 Boys race Ollie Emment ran another great race, unintimidated by the very tough course he rose to the challenge to continue his fine season on the country to come home in 19th place, out of 570 finishers.

Three athletes in the under 15 Boys race Jack Gemmell, Tom Jones and Ross Hurst committed themselves well over the very tough course. Jack finished in 95th, Tom 114th and Ross 151st out of 504 finishers.

In the under 17 men’s race again three Walton athletes lined up, Ollie Coppellotti was first Walton athlete home in 158th closely followed by Joshua Taylor in 164th and Michael Cottrill in 268th out of 356 finishers.

Matt Pharaoh and Isaac Mammen were the two Walton representatives in the Junior men’s race over 10km. Both running well. Matt coming home in 178th and Isaac in 204th.

Only two female athletes took part both in the under 17 womens race. Both girls committed from the start Charlotte Vaughan came home in 50th and Rachel Pharaoh 119th out of 276 finishers.

Well done to the athletes who represented the club so admirably on Saturday on this historically tough course.