Match Three Race Report

Arlo Ludewick and Emily Haggard repeated their victories from the first match at the same venue, which was then run in far sunnier climes, and firm underfoot conditions, back in October, Stephen Green Reports.

Ludewick had training partner Max Wharton for company in the early stages, through the ‘sodden’ playing fields and then down into the steep valley. At the end of the first lap the Manchester University PHD Student had 30 metres of daylight over another training partner guest Biruk Kebede. Ludewick used his sub-4-minute mile speed endurance and strength, to great effect coming up the punishing climb through the woods into the driving rain to come home almost a minute clear of Kebede (U20). The fast finishing Joshua Birmingham was next home, just four seconds in arrears, leading Salford Harriers to team spoils.

Emily Haggard employed her customary front running tactics, and by the end of the first lap she had ploughed through the mud furrowed fields, and twisty valley sections, to build an unassailable lead over Kathryn Fitzpatrick, with Jasmine Wright (U20) in third. The above order remained the same until the tape, with the Warriors athlete skipping through the ‘mud-saturated’  finish straight to enjoy a 90 second victory margin, ahead of racing in the European XC Championships next weekend.  Fitzpatrick, led Chorlton Runners to team honours.

Stockport’s Poppy Branch used her local course knowledge to superb effect coming home first U17 girl, over two and a half minutes ahead of Savannah Mannhart, with Nancy Carrington in third. In the U17 boy’s race Lewis Morris of West Cheshire broke the tape over a minute clear of Emmas Finlay-Dobson, with Alfie Branch just a second behind.

Sale Harriers enjoyed a clean sweep in Under 15 girls’ event with Beatrix Soper enjoying a 200m margin of victory over Megan Boyer, with Maddy Appleby, third. Noah Phillips was first U15 boy, five seconds clear of Harry Shatwell, who was a fair distance clear of fellow Stockport Harrier Alistair Riley.

Roni Kohring of the Warriors’ club had around 100m of daylight from Tillie Wright, with Imogen Moran third, in the U13 girls’ race. Ethan Statham of Bury AC sprinted clear of Arthur O’Hare, to claim U13 boys’ honours, with Loxley Schofield third.

Salford Met duo Melia Ferendenus and Georgiana Beech claimed the top two spots in the Under 11 girls’ race, Mila Price took third.  Jacob Renshaw and Joshua Leong were the first two Under 11 boys’ home for Sale Harriers, Oscar Reynold’s finished third.