KFL Cross Country report – Oxleas Wood

The second instalment of 2023-24’s KFL Cross Country season saw the team travel to Oxleas Wood. Seemingly constant rain over the past couple of weeks suggested we’d be in for sloppy conditions underfoot. However, the sun was shining this morning and, in spite of a short spell of drizzle, the rain held off. There were some strong winds which were felt in force with the start line perched on top of the hill. At one point, the TRAC gazebo was almost lost to the wind but the team managed to keep hold of it – phew!

 

 

As for the course, it was approximately 0.75 miles shorter this year after a decision was made to miss out a woodland section due to risk to runners’ safety. This was a welcome reduction to the distance as runners who ran this course last year remember a feeling of never-ending twists and turns.

 

 

Undeniably, this is a tough course. The terrain is mixed and technical in places, with many ups and downs. In the woodland area, runners had to navigate roots and branches. Thankfully, all TRAC runners made it across the finish line safely.

 

Well done everyone! Whilst it might not be a PB XC course, it certainly isn’t boring!

 

 

And thank you again to all who brought the amazing array of cake – what a fantastic lunch! 

 

(We were a bit unorganised for the team photo this week!)  

 

 

Results

545 Runners braved the course this week, well done to all! And some fantastic results again for team TRAC, who are so encouraging of each other’s successes. Was a real concentration battle this week, with constant decision making for foot placements! Chris Brenchley could not contain his joy at leading the men’s team home, the huge smile said it all! And Congratulations to Brittany Crombie who’s fantastic win also secures her the Ladies TRAC Club Championship for the 2023 season, which came down to the last race!  

 

Overall Position	Gender Position	Runner	Time	Rtg
47	47	Christopher Brenchley	35:24:00	87.26
50	50	Jamie Jordan	35:34:00	86.43
55	55	Jude Wood	35:47:00	85.04
82	76	Phil Stevens	37:23:00	79.22
140	19	Brittany Crombie	40:27:00	90.22
186	27	Joanne Kemp	42:24:00	85.87
207	177	Stephen Forshaw	43:09:00	51.25
247	43	Joanne Holl	44:31:00	77.17
271	52	Julie Williams	45:42:00	72.28
348	83	Nicola Boyes	48:37:00	55.43
412	305	Peter Heath	52:34:00	15.79
423	114	Janet Morgan	53:08:00	38.59
429	312	Tim Kerr	53:26:00	13.85

 

Next XC is this Sunday 26th November at Knole Park, Sevenoaks. We then get a rest until our very own TRAC organised XC event at Minnis on the 7th January 2024.

 

 

But before that on Sunday the 3rd December is another amazing road race organised by TRAC, the Alan Green starting in Palm Bay, with both a 5 mile and a 10 mile option. Thanks in advance to all those marshalling and best of luck if you are supporting the club by running.

 

Thanks to Brittany Crombie and Jo Kemp for the race report this week.  We will update the club champs scores from both of this weekend’s races and post them in the next 48 hours.