Ross Lights up the Beacon

Cross Country at Beacon Park is a distinct love/hate affair to most athletes with its year long mud patches, narrow pathways and a gradient that baffles runners into believing that whats goes up, keeps going up.

Despite missing some of the more experienced members of the team to injury and masters commitments, LPS still turned out 14 hardy souls clad in white and ready for mud, a team size not matched by any other club in the league.

Ross Harrison was the star of the show, continuing his impressive breakthrough year in the senior ranks by duly pushing out in front from the offset, flanked by the experience of team-mates Ian Roberts & Kevin Usher, and chased closely by a strong contingent of win chasing and established athletes including the league leader Jon-Jo Doherty, Martin Swenson and a hungry bunch of Liverpool Harriers.

Following 9.6km of thick mud & rolling hills, it was Ross (35:45) who emerged first from the country park’s woodlands ready for the final uphill lap of 400m and despite being chased down to the very last ounce of his competitors efforts, took a first victory in the senior divisions, one that club members and coaches alike hope will be the first of many for a hardworking, humble and much loved team member. Ian Roberts (37:58), Kevin Usher (38:38), Phil Macdonald (40:38), Sam Carr (46:21) and Chris Pedder (46:59) completed the team to take 2nd overall on the day. The lead 6 where well supported by Lee Anderton (48:13), Mark Hudson (48:55), Richard Beesley (49:52), Joanna Durkin (52:11 & 9th Lady), Dan Gilbody (52:35), James Thompson (52:49) and Laura Purdy (55:08 & 14th Lady).

All things mud now move towards County (Lancashire & Merseyside) on January 4th and Northern Championships on January 25th, please confirm your availability with your captain for entries.