Paul Atherton and Christa Cain were the respective winners of the senior races at the opening round of the Isle of Man Cross-Country League, held at a gloriously sunny Port-e-Chee this weekend.
It represented Atherton’s maiden victory in the annual league, having competed in cross-country for many years and achieved many high placings. Second was Alex Bell, and rolling back the years with a great run for third place was John Halligan.
Cain completed her first cross-country league event, off the back of a 35km training run on the road that morning (October 11), winning at the first time of asking. Under-18 Max Hammal proved to be an excellent pacemaker throughout the race, as the Commonwealth Games athlete took victory in the women’s race ahead of Kirsty Barber and Sammy Bowden.
U14 and Short Course Races
This race covered two laps of the main field including the extra loop on both laps.
400 metres specialist Ben Sinclair was out in front in this race, using the Short Course race to build endurance as he commences his winter training. Towards the end he was closed down significantly by Leighton Curphey who ran strongly to win the U14 Boys race. There was a fantastic sprint finish for second and third, with Jack Davies just getting to the line ahead of Henry Quaye.
Maisy-Jo Faragher was the winner of the U14 Girls race ahead of Emira Bowden and Matilda Woakes.
Catherine Perry returned to local competition, having completed her university years in Leeds, and she was the winner of the women’s Short Course race.
U12 Race
The U12 age group raced over two laps of the main field, with the boys and girls races both proving to be good contests.
Jack Davison pulled clear of George Looney near the end to take the boys win, with Oliver Halligan claiming third.
Millie Moody took the honours in the girls race, ahead of Lorelei Wilson and Harper Quayle.