CURDRIDGE
© HAMMY8241
Five miles of mud and freezing air shocked the lungs and legs in this tough winter event, but when you hit the finish you feel you’ve earnt the divine bath waiting for you at home (and G&T!). One of the most popular, and well attended county championships in the country, the Hampshire XC champs sees women of all ages and abilities come together to see how tough they are. Athletes fly in from the Channel Islands; this is a competitive event where you will fight to find your ranking in your county. You don’t get the cosy facilities of a big city race, but cross country has its own magic. With team mates roaring support, as you slip and slide for what feels like an eternity, you feel truly alive. Th e younger senior women flew round the course as if it was a mid-week track session, but more humbling were the strong finishes of the VET65 winner (Penny Forse, SGR) and VET70 winner (Marilyn Crocker, Victory). If you’re looking for a new challenge, be brave: give cross country a try. It will welcome you with ice-cold arms and a big splatter of mud.