Last updated 19:23, Thursday, 30 October 2008

THE SECOND round of the Cumbria Cross Country League took place on Saturday at Newton Rigg College.

Weather conditions on the day were atrocious with gale force winds, driving rain and a soaking wet course.

However, this did not deter the 92 hardy souls that turned out to compete across the various age groups.

The senior race was organised using a pack system in which groups of runners are set off at three-minute intervals.

Which group athletes are placed in depends on previous race times, with slower runners going first and faster ones in later groups.

Ellenborough Athletic Club had three competitors in the senior competition. Brian Taylor, who started in the last pack, worked his way through the field to be second in with the fastest time of the day – 35 minutes 19 seconds.

Russell Maddams, Horwich AC, ran well for second in 36.04. Keswick AC’s David Birch, who won the last race of the series, was third in 36.40.

Wayne Jackson, for Ellenborough, who is currently preparing for his new career in the RAF, looked as though all his training of late is paying off and produced an impressive result, crossing the line in eighth in 39.45, just managing to hold club-mate Jackie Winn in ninth in 39.56.

Ellenborough were awarded the team prize with 17 points.

Ellenborough’s Paul Richardson is in fantastic form at the moment and won the U15 boys’ race in 16.11. Second was Simon Little, of Carlisle/Aspatria, in 17.30.

Ellenborough’s Sam Johnston was equally impressive in the U13 boys’ race and took victory in fine style, continuing in his good vein of form, 10.20.

Other Ellenborough results – U11 girls: 10, Katy Lowles 8.17. U15 boys: 3, Billy Edmondson 17.56. U13 girls: 2, Tania Wilson 12.23. U13 boys: Ben Johnstone 10.00.