5th Manchester Harriers Primary Schools Cross Country 2013/14

Nine of our group competed at this event. As has been the case recently, both the weather and underfoot conditions were extremely testing.Well done to Hannah J (12th), Poppy (36th), Will C(7th) and Millie (13th) who ran very well considering it was the first time they were competing at this event and over this course. They have gained valuable experience from being involved in a new event and I was very pleased with all of them, as to how they adapted to it and got on with it with the minimum of fuss.

Sofia (6th) and Grace T(23rd) both put in excellent runs in the Year 3/4 girls race. Both these very young athletes, have a lot of speed and so heavy conditions do not really suit, but they are out their doing their best in a relaxed, comfortable manner every time. This experience and working on ALL of their fitness components, from an early age, will put them in a really good position in the future.

Daniel(13th) was our only representative in the Year 3/4 Boys race and as you can see from the result he did very well. We have good endurance runners in this age group who are not taking the opportunity to develop themselves across all fitness components and become really good multi-eventers. I hope Daniel's performances can inspire them. Well done Dan!

Ella(23rd) ran a really brave race, as I don't think she was totally comfortable having had a recent foot injury.

The outstanding performance on the day came from Lauren(8th) who bettered both her position and time from her first attempt on this course. Lauren continues to be a great multi-eventing role model and thus her athletic development is exactly where it should be at this point in time. Lauren is allowing me to coach her in line with the recommendations of the UK Athlete Development Model. This was a completely endurance/strength based event. At the next event she competes at, there will be no endurance just Speed, Strength, Flexibility and Coordination. She is demonstrating great maturity and understanding of the fact that athletics is a late specialisation sport. All bodes really well for the future. Congratulations Lauren!