Three members of Newcastle AC represented N.I. & Ulster on Saturday 24th August.
The event originally intended to be the U18 International, was scaled back due to COVID, now consisting of runners from England, Scotland, Wales and N.I. & Ulster.
This was Tom Crudgington’s second International vest, having placed 17th at the British & Irish Champs in Wales in 2019. He was joined by Ethan McMullan and Ciara Savage with their first International vests .
Due to the lower numbers, both girls and boys races ran together, starting and finishing in Ambleside’s Rothay Park. From a grass start, the race joined the park path, then over a bridge before turning sharply uphill on tarmac.
A few hairpins of this steep tarmac led to a stile and onto the hill proper. Up through ferns, with plenty of rocks and roots to keep them focused, the trail eventually pops out into the most stunning views down Lake Windermere……not that any of the athletes noticed.
Tom was sitting in a group of 4, with the leader at this point already forming what would turn out to be an incredible lead and new course record.
Ethan was running closely with the two other N.I. & Ulster athletes. Ciara was tucked in 14th at the summit. Sadly, a fall at this point, saw her move to 15th, not realising for the rest of the race, the athlete in 14th was only a few seconds ahead, but out of sight due to the undulating nature of the course.
Over the summit the athletes followed a short dip in the course before a rolling plateau led to the last short scramble. A gap opened between 2-4 and Tom in 5th, before he closed in again on this final climb.
Tom maintained 5th to the finish, a stunning result, which leaves him hungry for the 4th September when we host the British and Irish U17 and U20 Championships in Greenhill, Newcastle.
Meanwhile Ethan continued to run closely to his team mate Michael, finishing a fantastic first race in 15th.
The team’s results ended up with a tie in both the boys’ and girls’ races leading to a count back, another lesson for the XC teams that every position counts.
Both N.I. & Ulster Teams pipped Wales to Bronze!!!
Athletes and managers are very excited to see what the 4th September can bring, with a home race and the realisation that they were so close to the top 2 teams!
Well done to our three athletes, who were a credit to the club they represent!
Results and Photos can be obtained at: https://www.amblesidemountaincup.com/photos-and-results/2021-home-countries-youth-international-results-photos/
Report by Phil Hodge
