We returned to the Billy Neill Playing Fields, Dundonald, exactly one week after the Comber Cup, for the N.I and Ulster Age Group Championships. The course for these championships is much more scenic than the previous week taking in a clockwise loop around the beautiful lake and playing fields. This was the first time Castle Gardens had been represented in these championships with Charlotte toeing the line in the U12 girls race over a distance of 1500m- an additional half kilometre added on to the race distance.
After registering, Charlotte took a look at the course, noting that it was just as hilly as last week but a lot wetter and muddier under foot. Number pinned onto her racing top, it was time for some light stretching and strides before heading to the start pens for the starter's whistle.
Cross country races are always manic at the start, the pace intense to get a good position into the first corner. The course quickly narrowed down after approximately 100m to a smaller, narrower track so a reasonable start was essential and Charlotte ensured she got one. Heading up the hill behind the treeline, Charlotte was well-placed in the middle of the pack, right in amongst the club runners.
It's been a difficult start to the season for Charlotte with some persistent niggles and injuries but you wouldn't have guessed it today with the composed manner in which she ran. At the top of the hill, the runners turned right and fell down the steep bank to the lakeside, Charlotte doing very well to avoid the distraction of a falling runner right behind her, narrowly missing her ankle. Following the lake, Charlotte stayed on the back of a large pack of girls then entering the snake-like route around the football pitches, begin to pick off runners in front of her one by one. Negotiating a very wet and muddy puddle to climb up the steep bank and complete the lap, Charlotte continued to gain ground on the now single file of girls in front of her. Rounding the final bend, one final hill up the finish remained and Charlotte gave it her all.
It was a pleasure to watch Charlotte run so well today after all her recent injury niggles. She showed great composure, resilience and fierce determination throughout the race. We are all very proud of her performance today. Very well done, Charlotte.
The next school race is at the County Down Flahavan series on Monday November 11th at Londonderry Park, Newtownards. Before then, the N.I and Ulster Uneven Age Group Cross Country Championships (Under 11 and Under 13 categories) take place at the Finn Valley Centre, Donegal on Saturday 2nd November 2024. Families can submit entries for their children up to the deadline of Wednesday 23rd October 2024 at 11:59pm.
https://www.castlegardens.org.uk/school-life/sports-teams-and-competitions/
Menu
