CoSARC goes up in Smoke

The Saucony Parliament Hill XC Championships in London is widely recognised as one of the toughest and most uncompromising XC races in the racing calendar writes Vasen Moodley

All smiles from Janine (right), Mary (middle right), Helen (middle left) Katie (left) - AFTER the race!

The sun shone brightly on a chilly winter’s day. The routes consisted of hills, hills and more hills, which gave the runners spectacular views over some of London’s most iconic landmarks like The Shard and London Eye. Despite the sun there was mud aplenty, which became more churned up and difficult to run on for the racers in the later races. All in all it was a memorable day’s racing for everyone.

This was James Gabriel’s first experience of the energy sapping Parliament Hill XC. James was pleased to bits with his time of 13:31 in the U13 Boys race.

Janine Kemm described the course as the most difficult she has ever endured. She dug deep into her energy reserves to finish in an excellent time of 1:06:00.

Results of the race can be found HERE

Thanks to Barry Davies and James Ballard for giving up time to photograph CoSARC at the event

Photos taken by Barry Davies can be found HERE

Photos taken by James Ballard can be found HERE

The Hard Yard is a new trail event from Blended Trails that consisted of 10 miles of relentless undulating hills and mud, plus stunning views over the Hampshire countryside. The routes took in private farms and woodland areas that are normally not open to the public. Finishing times were Linda Robson 1:53 and Lisa Milner 1:53:18.

The aptly named The Terminator is a race that brings many athletes to their knees and bottoms as they slip and slide their way up and down the ridiculously steep muddy hills. Despite these conditions Jenny Hartley, Anna Patrickson and Poppy Langdon-Down came first in the Ladies Team category.

James Mills went from taking part in the Parliament Hill XC on Saturday to the Wokingham HM barely 24 hours later. He set a superb time of 1:21:11. Derek Wood bagged himself a 9 minute PB when he finished in 1:29:37.

In the Army Inter Corps XC Championship four members of CoSARC represented their Corps over a hilly 8km route that included the infamous energy sapping “Heartbreak Hill”. They battled the elements to record impressive finishing times. Will Ewens 28:39, James Hassan 32:07, Matt Bosworth 32:36 and Tom Annetts 34:51.