RAF AIR COMMAND CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS 2009 – 16 DEC 09

WG CDR DAVE COLE REPORTING

RAF High Wycombe again hosted the 2009 Air Command Cross Country Championships on 16 Dec 09 around the woods to the rear of the HQ. The course which follows tracks and paths is particularly demanding and the heavy rain and snow made the course all the more treacherous. One lap of the course is approximately 3.25 miles, with the ladies completing one and the men 2.

Both races started at the same time and following the hard track for half a mile the race then turns off into the woods to begin the arduous and tricky tracks. The rain had made most of the going extremely difficult with many inches of mud, coupled to the many ups and downs of the course it certainly proved to be a tough event.

The ladies race saw 9 taking part and Flt Lt Jo Johnson (RAF Halton) took the individual title in 25:54. The men’s race saw 49 take part and SAC Oz Ellis (RAF Benson) continued his excellent form and won the race in 44:03. In the Ladies Team event, Halton were 1st, Benson 2nd and Brize Norton 3rd. The Men’s Team event was won by Lyneham, High Wycombe 2nd and Brize Norton 3rd.

WO Phil Kafel and Sgt Richie Parkins laid out the course and made sure that all the arrangements on the day ran smoothly, Roger Doust and the RAF Officials undertook the timekeeping and Sgt Craig Metcalf completed all the results. Without these personnel the race would just not take place and all the athletes are most grateful for their efforts.