We were fortunate that the rain forecast last week didn't arrive this morning as we made our way to Londonderry Park for the opening round of the Flahavan's Cross Country League. A cool wind whipped across the park as runners gathered to inspect the course and think carefully about footwear choices. Runners faced a 1km run with a large outer and smaller inner loop that would test them with the wind impeding their progress on several parts of the course. Underfoot, ground conditions were reasonably firm with just a couple of softer areas that seemed likely to cut up as the morning races went on.
In the opening 'Fun Run' race of the day, Castle Gardens had five pupils toeing the line, each of them making their Castle Gardens debuts. At they reached the far end of the park, Aaron was in a commanding 4th place having made a blistering start. Behind him, Caitlin hugged the fence tightly trying to get shelter from the headwind. Slightly further back in the field, Emily, Abby and Leo were all packed closely together. Coming back into view on the inner loop, Aaron had fought bravely to maintain a place inside the top 15 but was now beginning to tire. Further back, Caitlin was wrestling with a group of runners from schools around the county, constantly trading places. Emily, Leo and Abby came next, all passing one another before spurring on their teammates to challenge them once more. At the finish, all looked tested by the course and distance but had very much to be proud of; there were even some smiles! A fantastic effort from each and every one of our runners on their debut performances. Well done, Team Castle Gardens.
Next up was the girls race. After a ferocious start, the Castle Gardens team packed well together in the middle third of the race. Sofia, Charlotte, Lily B and Lily M were all close together with Logan (another debutant) just behind. Ella, also making her debut, had made a cautious start but was beginning to move through the field and looking very comfortable. As the legs began to burn with lactic acid, Charlotte made her move in the middle part of the race; passing Sofia, she also moved clear of Lily B and Lily M. Running a very strong final third of the race, Charlotte continued to pick up places and did indeed finish as the first Castle Gardens runner. A resurgent Sofia finished strongly as our second counter battling the wind all the way down the finishing straight, fending off the chasing pack. Behind her, Lily M made a storming finish, desperate to try to catch Logan who had run a sensational middle section of the race to move ahead of her. Lily B, meanwhile, had unfortunately suffered a nasty fall which required medical attention; thankfully she was alright. Our final runner, Ella, made a strong finish to the race; powering home she managed to take an extra place on the final straight. Congratulations to all our girls on their very promising season debuts. We look forward to seeing you all race again shortly.
The final race of the day saw the turn of the boys to take on the 1km circuit. From the off, the pace was frantic with lots of shoving and pushing seeing some runners lucky to keep their feet. As the runners entered the far end of the park, Lukas was right in contention with the leading pack and looking very comfortable. Behind him, the experienced Zac was followed closely by debutants, Danny, Seth, Jaiden and Logan. As the runners emerged from the treeline at the far end of the park, Lukas had now taken up 5th position and was hot on the heels of 4th place, only a small handful of seconds behind the leading trio who were working equally as hard. Danny had now passed Zac and was making a charge for him. Logan and Jaiden had now traded places with Logan running a very mature race. Seth, meanwhile, had unfortunately taken a nasty fall as the course narrowed significantly, bringing his race to a very unlucky end. Rounding the final corner and heading for the finish, Lukas was in a battle for 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th places- a battle that continued all the way to the line. Danny held off a resurgent Zac for an excellent second place finish for the Castle Gardens Team. Logan and Jaiden had equally strong finishing fending off runners behind them with Logan managing to grab an extra place on the line. Congratulations to all our boys for their fantastic efforts on their season debuts.
A final word of thanks is extended to our families who attended and supported all our runners. Your time, energy and enthusiasm was very greatly appreciated by the children, Mr Gray and Mr Graham.
Castle Gardens Results:
Fun Run:
21st Aaron
76th Caitlin
82nd Emily
83rd Leo
84th Abby
Girls Race:
47th Charlotte
64th Sofia
88th Lily MC
92nd Logan
135th Ella
Boys Race:
7th Lukas
74th Danny
88th Zac
93rd Logan
117th Jaiden
Menu
