The spell of good weather on the 28th November made conditions at Liverpool ideal for Cross Country running after the down pours of previous days. The course was soft under foot and not the quagmire that the athletes had to contend with in previous years. Making his debut for the RAF, Cpl Rob Bugden (Cosford) finished 40th, who is starting to show his prior form when he finished 16th in the World Student games XC Champs in 2008. Rob’s training partner Sam Mitchell, also Cosford, had a solid performance finishing 78th. Both runners are currently being coached by former RAF athlete John O’Rourke.

Cpl Steve Robinson (Cottesmore) shone through with a superb performance placing him 84th, this is mainly due to his consistent training and coaching from Paul Larkins, former GB International. Kieran White (Benson) is continuing to show his steady progress by finishing 106th, this is off the back of a successful track season. The Royal Navy had gained the next two places in the Combined Services team: Mark Croasdale (Vet) and Brian Cole finishing 125th and 129th respectively. Sgt Al Turnbull (Vet) made steady progress thorough the field finishing 137th, Al has recently returned from a stint in the Falkland Islands. Steve Frear (Benson) had a disappointing run after a strong start to the season his 138th position is not a true reflection of his form. SAC Graham Hunt (Leeming) gained valuable experience at running at this level finishing in a credible 146th position.

All the ladies had solid performances; the Army being the prominent force in the Combined Services team, which also included 1 lady from the Royal Navy.

The next race major RAF races are:

RAF Representative Match –RAF Halton 20th Jan 2010

RAF Championships – RAF High Wycombe 4th Feb 2010

Inter Service Championships – RAF High Wycombe 27th Feb 2010

Results:-

Ladies

51  Amanda Jones 30:38

67  Kelly Haniver 31:55

71  Sophie Townsend 32:20

90  Lanne Jones 34:11

97  Julia Bloomer 35:23

Men

40  Rob Bugden 30:15

78  Sam Mitchell 31:24

84  Steve Robinson 31:29

106  Kieren White 32:17

125  Mark Croasdale 32:55

129  Brian Cole 33:04

137  Alan Turnbull 33:25

138  Steven Frear 33:27

146  Graham Hunt 33:46