Inter Service XC Championships - 10
2010 INTER-SERVICES CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS REPORT
WG CDR DAVE COLE REPORTING
Introduction
In a break in tradition the RAF hosted the 2010 Inter-Services Cross Country Championships at RAF High Wycombe on Fri 26 Feb after many decades of having run the event at RAF Halton. The Course, which follows National Trust land around the back of the Headquarters and Officers’ Mess is very technical and difficult. With many severe descents and ascents the course poses significant challenges for athletes and the recent rain only added to their woes making the course very difficult under foot. The Clerk of the Course Sgt Richie Parkins and the RAF Halton Home for Sport Team had done a fantastic job of organising the event in very difficult surroundings. Thankfully on the day the weather was dry and although windy the course was very well protected. A considerable number of spectators turned up to watch the races, including many Friends of the Association and Jane Akazi from Serco, our sponsor.
Junior men - 3K
Sgt Al Turnbull (RAF Brampton/Wyton/Henlow) the Junior Team Manager and SAC Nic Gaulder (RAF Brampton/Wyton/Henlow) Team Assistant had assembled a good squad of junior RAF runners. Encouragingly the numbers of junior men's Cross Country runners have increased this year, however an outright Inter Services win was thwarted by only by 6 points to the Army with the Navy taking individual Gold who failed to finish with a complete team. The course was reduced to 3km from the advertised 5km due to an unidentified marshal giving erroneous directions, throwing athlete’s race plans into disarray, however all athletes completed the same course.
RAF Championships winner Haydon Carter (Halton), competing in his first Inter Services, lead out the field and was very competitive only missing gold by a small margin; vowing to improve once he had completed his training phase of his career. Inter services regular, Steve McLachan (Coningsby) proved his place by finishing 7th, supported by David Grindrod (St,Athan), Jake Mitchell (Kirton in Lindsey), Tom LeBreton (Leeming) and Eddie French (St,Athan) with reserve runner Joe Turner (Coningsby). A solid performance by a very motivated squad showed that the hunger for victory was foremost in the athlete’s minds and traditional service rivalries continue to run deep. RAF Championships silver medallist, Tom Haywood (St,Athan), was missing due to injury and a promising new comer, Chris Cartwright (Cosford), could not afford to miss an important phase of his course. Both were disappointed in missing this year’s competition and were possible individual medallists.
Key to the ongoing success of the Junior Men's team is the time and effort placed in mentoring the young athletes with an eye on transition to the senior team. Former RAF service men, Mr John Gordon (St,Athan) and Mr John O'Rourke (Cosford) show great dedication in coaching the pooled trainees with the selfless devotion to others. Flt Lt Ben Trapnall has already made contact with the athletes, with some already donning the RAF vest on the Indoor circuit, keeping the vain of talent throughout the year. I encourage all OICs to be mindful of the new generation in promoting our sport especially those who fulfil the criteria for junior men for next years Inter Services Cross Country.
Individuals
1st Mne Redmile RN 12:32
2nd AC Carter RAF 12:39
3rd L/Bdr Minett-Searle Army 12:55
Team
Army 22
RAF 28
RN – only 2 counters
Veterans – 10K
The veteran’s race comprises teams of 6 runners representing each of the services. Although only the first 4 runners from each team contribute directly to the score, the efforts of the 5th and 6th scorers are no less important as they can still affect the individual positions of scoring runners from opposing teams. The RN has been the dominant force in veteran running over recent seasons and they set-off determined to again retain their title. Inside the first 2 miles 3 of the RN runners, headed by eventual winner Cpl Mark Croasdale, had broken away from the field and it looked ominous that they would be untouchable. A chasing pack containing an Army runner and the RAF’s Sgt Ronnie McWilliam (RAF Waddington) and Sgt Al Turnbull (RAF Brampton/Wyton) looked no less determined as they ploughed on tenaciously across the unrelenting course. A little further back Sgt Mark Prestwood and Sqn Ldr Chris Reeson (both RAF Brize Norton) tracked their nearest rivals.
It was always anticipated that such a difficult course could throw-up surprises. And so it was the case when Cpl Gerrard (RN) retired injured from his 3rd place before the start of the second lap. Unbeknown to the RAF athletes this mishap threw the race wide open. As the spectators watched the runners pass with a quarter of the race remaining it was clear that the final result would be very tight indeed. 1st and 2nd places were obviously going to be held by the RN. The next group also remained unchanged from the first lap, although Sgt Al Turnbull was starting to find it difficult to keep with the pace. It was hard to see where the RAF could gain the precious places that they would need for victory, and it was equally difficult to get information to the runners that may have spurred them on.
In the final stages Sgt Ronnie McWilliam was unable to close a very slight advantage that SSgt Bell (Army) had gained on him and narrowly missed the 3rd place that his efforts deserved. Sgt Al Turnbull followed closely behind with a solid 5th place. Sgt Mark Prestwood and Sqn Ldr Chris Reeson managed to hold their positions but even their continued efforts were unable to close-down the 3rd RN scorer who finished in 7th place. Although Flt Lt Carl Thompson (RAF Brize Norton) and Sqn Ldr Simon Bell (RAF Henlow) held off the RN’s 4th scorer his 15th place was sufficient to take the victory away from the RAF by a single point.
The result of the race sparked a wave of speculation as runners looked at themselves to see if they could have done anything to have found just one more place in their performance. In the final analysis it was clear that all of the team had given their all and should do nothing other than take away great pride from what was probably the most demanding course that has ever been used for the Inter-Services Championships. ………
Individuals
1st Cpl Croasdale RN
2nd Lt Cdr Dunn RN
3rd SSgt Bell Army
Team
RN 25
RAF 26
Army 30
Ladies - 5K
The ladies always face a monumental challenge in this event since the strength and depth of the Army ladies team is massive, however, as in previous seasons team spirit and optimism was high. Disappointingly for the team, Team Captain and stalwart runner, FS Tara Park (JSSU Digby) was forced to pull out with injury, but the team maintained focus and direction. Furthermore, an additional sadness was being felt by Sqn Ldr Pam Wheeler (RAF Halton), the ladies Team Manager as this was her last event after many years in charge of the team. Always enthusiastic, incredibly loyal, Pam was extremely buoyed by the ladies recent form and felt that maybe this year they might just clinch it from the Army. This determined and loyal approach typified Pam’s tenure as Team Manager where she has always got the best of of her team and generated within in them a strong bond and loyalty to RAF Athletics. From the gun Cpl Jodie Digby (RAF Halton) mixed with the red army vests and was closely followed by Fg Off Helen Taylor (RAF Henlow). The demands of the course suited the team, most of whom compete in longer races and this basis provided great strength. Flt Lt Jo Johnson (RAF Halton) and Flt Lt Becky Griffith (Swanick Mil) both produced amazing races, well supported by Sqn Ldr Jo Roe (JSCS Shrivenham) and Flt Lt Christine Murray (HQ Air Command). If team spirit, determination and effort counted towards the winning of the Inter Services trophy then the RAF Ladies would have won hands down!
As the race progressed, Cpl Digby maintained her position at the front of the field to secure a highly commendable 4th place in 23.34. 5th – 7th places were secured by Fg Off Taylor in 23.52, Flt Lt Johnson in 24.27 and in a neck-breaking finish on the line Flt Lt Griffith in 24.34 to overcome the 4th Army runner by 1 sec. Sqn Ldr Roe achieved 11th place in 25.23 and the gold medal for the 1st veteran in the race whilst Flt Lt Murray completed the team line up in 16th place in 26.26.
This result was the best for the team for 12 years which bodes extremely well for the ladies team for next season, although it is widely acknowledged that it will take a lot to match the strength of the Army ladies. Despite, losing to the Army Pam never let up on her Team Manager’s responsibilities and could be seen praising the efforts of individuals and reminding them of their brilliant team performance. She then set about encouraging her team to support the remaining races, before sadly at around 1.30pm walking off the course for the last time as Team Manager.
Individuals
1st SSgt Morris 21:39 Army
2nd Cpl Hodgkinson 23:05 Army
3rd Sgt Morgan 23:09 Army
1st Lady Veteran Sqn Ldr Jo Roe 25:22 RAF
Team
Army 14
RAF 22
RN 51
Senior Men - 10k
The athletes were all laughing at the fact that they had a false start in a 10k cross country race! The signal had not been heard by all the runners and so it was far to staggered as start and disrupted to be fair. 2nd time around and the Senior Men were off. As expected Flt Lt Ben Livesey (RAF Kinloss and Scotland) (2009 Inter-Services Champion) and Cpl Rob Bugden (RAF Cosford and England) (2010 RAF Champion) took off at an incredible pace considering the challenges that lay ahead. The rest of RAF Team cognisant of their form elected for a slower pace, however, although the course in total is extremely challenging the first 5 mins are slightly down hill over hard tracks, so the pace was relentless. Following Livesey and Bugden was LCpl Williams (Army), who had recently won their Championship. The race had therefore split very early with the first 3 out of sight and the remainder within sight of each other in a large group. A mishap saw Livesey lose a shoe early and stopping to replace it lost him considerable ground to Bugden who went on to finish 1st and be crowned the 2010 Inter-services Men’s Champion. The 2009 Inter-Services Champion, Livesey, recovered very well to comfortably finish 2nd well ahead of Williams from the Army.
Former Junior, SAC Sam Mitchell (RAF Cosford) was meanwhile steadily moving through the field. A training partner of Bugden, the rewards of which were clearly showing. Mitchell eventually finished 5th overall, a superb performance in his first Seniors Inter Services. The future bodes very well for the RAF and Mitchell, where he is sure to be a regular feature within the Team. Talking of regulars, Wg Cdr Dave Cole (RAF High Wycombe) was running strongly with Cpl Kieran White (RAF Benson) and SAC Oz Ellis (RAF Benson). White and Ellis have this season lifted their performances considerably and this boded very well for the team as with Cole the 3 of them were packing very well. Eventually, they crossed the line 8th, 9th and 11th respectively and completed the 6 counters for the team
The 2008 Inter-services Champion Cpl Matt Blunden (RAF Waddington) although only just recovering from knee injury had been loyal and brave enough to declare himself fit to run for the team following the short notice drop-out of 2 top RAF athletes. Matt’s performance although off his usual standards typified the ethos of RAF Athletics and he battled on to finish 20th and claim another Gold Team Medal. Like Matt, Cpl Lee Athersmith (RAF Cottesmore) had been suffering with a back injury and despite struggling to run down hill, without considerable pain decided to run. Lee proved also to be an exemplar of RAF Athletics and battled through pain, risking further injury, to finish 15th and claimed his first Inter-Services Gold Team Medal. Both these individuals’ commitment and courage helped the Senior Men secure the title; they uncomplainingly accepted the challenges of the course and the risk that they were placing themselves at as they put RAF Service first ahead of their personal needs. Making his debut and also coming into the Team at short notice to make-up for one of the drop-outs was Cpl Graham Hunt (RAF Leeming). Hunt has for a number of years travelled as a reserve and finally he achieved his ambition to run in the Senior Men’s Team. Undeterred he ran very well to finish 16th.
Very quickly it became apparent that the Senior Men had regained the Team prize, with 35 points, ahead of the Army with 43 and the RN with 120.
Individuals
1st Cpl Bugden RAF
2nd Flt Lt Livesey RAF
3rd Cpl Williams Army
Team
RAF 35
Army 43
RN 120
Conclusion
At the presentation Air Cdre Gammage thanked all those who had contributed to the organisation and running of the event, but made special mention of the contribution of Sgt Riche Parkins. 2011 will see the RN hosting the Championships.
On Fri evening many of the Teams and Friends of the Association went to the Red Lion Wendover for the traditional dinner. Flt Lt Ben Livesey was awarded the Team Manager’s Trophy for his outstanding all round contribution to RAF Cross Country. It was also an opportunity to thank Sqn Ldr Pam Wheeler, retiring Ladies Team Manager and WO Phil Kafel, retiring Veteran’s Team Manager. Both were seen off in good style by the Association and their sadness at having to retire from the Association on leaving the RAF was obvious. We will miss them greatly, but in moving on the Association was delighted that Sqn Ldr Jo Roe and WO Clive Wintrip assumed their positions as the respective Team Managers.