The 2022 national cross country held at the iconic Parliament hill in London did not disappoint as the ultimate test for cross country running.
Starting with a field of 1010 runners stampeding up the huge uphill start and navigating many large hills within this 8k, runners battled through deep muddy wet terrain.
Reading Athletics Club saw some great running by everyone to finish off the cross country season.
Jess Gibbon had an incredible run, making history for Reading AC to finish strongly and bring home the team and win the national cross country title.
This is the first time in RAC history, one of the oldest clubs in the country, that a female has won the National Cross country over the recognised toughest course in the country.
Second home for the team was Kirsty Walker finishing like a bullet on the home straight to come an amazing 6th in the race. This is her first National championships as a senior Women and she continues to show her excellent form.
Next Katie Rodda Stormed home in 147 with another great run and finished 3rd in the team. Hayleigh Wood has been in fine form this season and smashed her race finishing 255 and finishing the team.
Followed by Eva Thomas who ran her first senior cross country race and had an amazing race to finish 317.
Lucy Daniels looked strong up the hills and finished 338 with Lydia Blythe working hard through the mud to finish 345, Lynne Henderson-Nike ran extremely well to finish 486 and Kathryn Tolson battling to stay upright to finish 610, both racing with smiles on their faces throughout showing very determined runs.
Overall the team finished a superb 13th out of 104 completed scoring teams.
The support was great with team captain Sarah, coach Debbie and team manager Izzy cheering us on around the course.
The Under 20s had a smaller field of 145 and Reading were ably represented by Evie Warren and Lara Tolson.
Evie, still coming back from injury, secured 56th position, an excellent result. Lara, struggling more with the conditions, battled through to finished in 100th place.
