One of the great things about or sport is how dedicated amateurs can get the opportunity to compete against the best in the country, even the best in the world and that was certainly the case on Saturday at Sutton Coldfield. The best clubs in the country battled for honours in the Men's Six stage; the women's four stage and the three leg junior relays. All got to witness or test themselves against the best, including Andrew Butchart (6th in the 5000m in Rio), who was out on the course giving his all for his club Central AC, just like the 100's of other athletes out there giving it all for their clubs.
The royal blues were no exception, although only represented in the senior men's relay, something the club hopes to address in the near future, the six men gave their all, they just weren't quite as quick as 13.08 5km man Butchart.
The Wearsiders had the much improved Steven McMahon on the first leg, a reward for his recent performances in relays, he battled gamely with the countries finest over the first 5.88km lap to come home 53rd in the club's fastest stint of the day 18.50. Next up was Sparrow Morley who brought the Wearsiders back 54th (19.09), 3rd man up Ian Ritchie ran strongly throughout to maintain 54th (19.36) ,the hero of the Northern championship Jack Tallentire once again justified his place in the A team, coming back 54th (19.50.) Jake Jansen (19.52) continued his return to form following a summer hiatus and battled hard up the home straight to ensure he claimed 4 places for the Royal Blues, he also had the honour of racing against Andy Butchart. The Olympian scorched through the field in the day's fastest time of 16.29, one of only two athletes to dip under 17 minutes. The other Swansea's UK Inter County Cross Country Champion Dewi Griffiths in 16.49. Anchorman Jason Waite brought the team home in 52nd (20.10).
It was an achievement for the club to make it here for the first time in 6 years and all the lads gave 100% for the team. However, they are equally determined alongside their team manager and club captain, to shoot up the field next year, with a top 25 finish in sight. This is a feat the club is capable of achieving now but we must ensure all athletes are aiming for this one, surely there is no greater feeling as a distance runner than to be competing against or alongside the best in the country and even the best in the world, you have to be there! October 2017 BE THERE!