Dallington woman first female to finish Heathfield race
4th February
Heathfield Park was the place to be on the morning of Sunday 26th January for the 4th event in the East Sussex Cross Country League.
Runners were not only faced with the usual muddy, hilly conditions but had to contend, or should we say jump, a raging river …ok a stream – before hurdling a giant log to the finish.
Twenty-three Harriers represented the strong black and red team. The newest Harrier Matt Southam was first home for the team claiming a superb 12th place overall in 35:58, followed closely by men’s captain Martin Bell 14th in 36:09 and Paul ‘Hendo’ Henderson 15th in 36:14. Ladies captain Alissa Ellis from Dallington was first lady overall sprinting over the finish line in 37:20 and taking 29th place. Gareth Taplin 46th 39:23 had Lisa Goldsmith hot on his heels 53rd in 39:41 and taking 4th place lady overall.
Graham Purdye 59th 40:05, Carl Barton 65th 40:24, Sarah Underwood 67th 40:37, Mark Pope 99th 43:27, Paul Howell 111th 44:08, Dave Mercer 130th 45:43, Chairman Andy ‘Ruffs’ Ruffell 134th 45:46, Leeland Pavey 140th 46:13, Tom Bailey 151st 46:42, Julie Chicken 192nd 49:57, Sarah ‘woolie gloves’ Wooler 197th 50:16, Hannah Deubert-Chapman 209th 51:21, Peter Drake 213th 51:36, Walron’s Felicity Williams 215th 51:52, Katy Reed 251st 55:28, and Norman Harris 321st 68:03 completing the black and red XC team.
Hailsham Harriers currently stand in 3rd place overall in the East Sussex Cross Country League with not much between them and second place Crowborough runners.
The next fixture in the East Sussex XC League is at The Hub, Bodiam, on Sunday February 16th.
Good luck to all those running the Worthing half Sunday 9th February.
