Harriers bag hat-trick of golds in cross country league

THERE was a hat-trick of gold medals for Worthing Harriers in the final race of the Sussex County Cross Country League on Saturday.

The race,which had previously been postponed owing to bad weather, was held at the Lancing Manor Leisure Centre.

After a short loop on the surrounding parkland, runners headed into the trees to begin an almost continuous ascent up to the top of the Downs, around a dew pond and back down.

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Harriers’ Emma Taylor-Gooby led from the start and broke away on the tough up hill climb part of the course, finishing well clear of the rest of the field in the women’s race, in 18mins 39sec.

India Spoor ran a determined race to finish first under-17 girl and first overall in her age group for the season.

Fellow Harrier, Kevin Mason, a relatively new signing for the club, ran a tactical race to win the men’s seniors’ event in 27-07, holding off strong opposition from James Baker, from Chichester, who had led in the earlier stages of the race.

Worthing Striders were also out in force in both the ladies and men’s division.

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Striders’ Andy Carpenter won a bronze medal in the veterans’ over-60 age group and Pauline Rich claimed the same prize in the veteran’s over-55 race.

However, it has been Tuff Fitty who have made a big impact this year, particularly their men’s team.

At Lancing, Tuff Fitty accounted for the largest men’s team with 17 runners and 14 per cent of the total field.

Their points total was sufficient to consolidate their position in the top division at their first attempt.

More pictures in this week’s paper.

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