A small but determined team of Walton athletes made the very early start to travel up north to Mansfield to compete in the English Cross Country Relay Championships. The pinnacle of the relay calendar, on the superb course at Berry Hill Park once again drew in great crowds from all over the country to watch the age group races.

First up was the under 17 women running over 2:5km. Emma Horsey led the team off coming home in 26th place. Handing over to Charlotte Vaughan who made up good ground and pulled the team back into 15th place and the final leg was taken by Rachel Pharaoh who maintained good form and brought the team home in 16th place.

The under 17 men running over 3km, were next to compete. The A team of Ben Marks, club captain Ben Fitzpatrick and Oliver Coppolletti did extremely well and came home in 16th place out of 75 teams, with Ben Fitzpatrick running the 10th fastest time on leg 2. The B team of Tom Jones, Michael Cottrill and Edward Dawson came home in 53rd place.

Last to compete was the under 15 Boys over 2km. The A team of Jack Gemmell, Ross Hurst and Ollie Emment did outstanding and finished in 10th place out of 93 teams with Ollie Emment running the 7th fastest time on leg 3. The B team of Joseph Daws-Twilley and the Punton twins, Finn and Josh came home in a credible 59th place.

Well done to all the athletes who made the trip north and for the wonderful support from all the parents.