Ice cool in Uxbridge - Met League cross country Race 3

In the biting cold and dense fog 20 stags turned up to race at Uxbridge on Saturday 2nd November , a race famous for guiding athletes up a ski slope and then through a knee deep stream in the depths of winter.

Emma McCluskey (16th in 33:07) showed that she is really settling in to racing the senior women's circuit, sitting comfortably in the front pack throughout the race and came home as first Barnet finisher in today’s fixture.  Another graduate from the YA cohort, Charlotte Harris looked like she was running solid, front running a distinct second pack around most of the course (38th in 34:38).

This difficult fixture welcomed Martha Hall’s season debut and welcomed back Karen Murphy who finished as third and fifth Barnet women today, split by Jana Jilkova who really is showing her speed over recent races.  It has to happen to someone, the assembled crowds at the stream almost demand it, unluckily it was Sarah Ralphs who took a tumble as she landed in the freezing water and cheers from the onlookers filled the air.  She still maintained her good spirits and looked strong finishing in 41:18.

In the men’s race whilst Noah Clarke (136th in 31:34) and Callum Sydenham got off to a flyer, Joe Ward found himself way down the field after getting caught up in traffic at the frenetic start.  Noah and Callum battled at the front of the race throughout the first lap but gradually started to fade back through the field but Callum pulled up after jarring his leg second time through the stream. Meanwhile Joe picked his way through those falling back and finished as first man home for Barnet in the Met League yet again (133rd in 31:23)

It was great to see first Met league races of the season for Charlie White and Paul Carter.  After a good placing in the Fraternity Cup last weekend, Charlie looked really solid again here at Uxbridge finishing as third Barnet man home .