Lewes AC runners in medal winning form at the Sussex Masters Cross Country Championships

Runners from all 38 Sussex compete within a variety of age groups for individual and team awards. With a hilly and challenging course Lewes AC runners came away with a bundle of well earned medals.

First away on the course was a 5 mile race for men aged over 50 and over 60. For most of the race it was a close battle for the medals between Keith Newton from Brighton, Paul Cousins from the Haywards Heath Club and Jonathon Burrell of Lewes. It was only until the last lap that the positions became clear with Jonathon Burrell picking up a well deserved bronze medal. Jonathon was followed home by Martin Komen in 15th place and Tony Deacon in 20th place which earned the Lewes AC team a bronze team medal.

Next to tackle the hills were the women aged over 35, 45 and 55 all competing over the same 4 mile course. Leading the way for Lewes was Emma Cummings who finished in the silver medal position. Backing up Emma in the women over 35 race were Dina Godfrey in 18th place and Jane Boyes is 20th place. These places gave the Lewes team a score of 40 points for 5th place.

Running in the same race were the women aged over 45 and in this race Helen Sida had a great run to bag the silver medal. Two silver medals for Lewes AC women is a great performance

Last to tackle the hilly and challenging course were the men aged over 40. Clearly it was a case of leaving the best to last. Not only were there great individual performances but it was also nip and tuck as to which club won the team gold medal. With three long and hilly laps over a 5 mile course the Lewes runners packed closely together at the head of the race. Howard Bristow from the Brighton club led the field from the start followed by three Lewes AC runners in 2nd, 3rd and 4th positions. With four runners to count for the team prize it all depended on the final four finishing positions.

First across the line was Howard Bristow as expected followed by the three Lewes AC runners. Mike Ellicock was 2nd winning the silver medal, Lewis Sida 3rd in the bronze medal position and Chris Gilbert in 4th position. Making up the scoring 4 was Alan Velecky in 16th position. In the end the Lewes AC team had to settle for a really well earned silver medal with a score of 25 against the Brighton team score of 19.

For Lewes AC to come away with three individual silver medals, two individual bronze medals and bronze and silver team medals showed the strength of endurance running in the Lewes club across all ages.

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