Sunday saw Kathryn and David joined by Harry for the Run Alton Towers Half Marathon, which included exclusive access to the amusement park, post-race, as part of the package. While these three were getting dizzy on the rides, a big group of us were getting similar feelings dealing with all the twists and tight turns of a revised Holly Hayes cross country course. Sam has kindly written a report, which I have included below. I want to say a big thank you to Sam, who rather got chucked in at the deep end. At the AGM, he agreed to shadow legendary cross country captain, Kim, with a view to taking on the role next year. With the first race falling on Remembrance Sunday and Kim being tied up organising his local parade, Sam had to do it on his own. Not only did he do a great job, he also ran really well (P27). It was good to see several members having their first taste of cross country (and post-race cakes) and hopefully the morning left them wanting more.

Holly Hayes
The day started out a bit drizzly, but by the time we came to race the sun was trying to break through the clouds. We had eighteen Hoggs on the start line with quite a few new faces trying their hands at cross country for the first time.
The course had changed a bit from previous years and it was run in an anti clockwise loop, which I thought, personally, worked better. It was still very twisty and had some very tight hairpin turns that stopped you right in your tracks. Fortunately, the ground was very dry so the going was good.
First home for the men’s team was Gurmit, who came in an impressive 18th place. He would have been higher but because of a marshalling error he went the wrong way and lost a few positions. I was next, followed by Dan DG who also took a wrong turn and found it hard to get going again, but still got a decent position of 84th. We had 11 male finishers, unfortunately Chris Brooks took a tumble early on and had to call it a day there.
First in for the ladies was Hayley Abraham, she had an excellent debut and finished 39th female. Next in were Helen A and Helen S and fourth counter was Grace. It was great to see so many new faces trying out a bit of cross country, everyone had very good performances.
We had a very good start to the season and hopefully it will continue for the next set of races. Well done all, see you at Bagworth Heath.
Cross Country deputy captain
Sam