The OB Running Club clinched third place for the second year running in the Over 50s category of the National Cross Country Alumni Race for independent schools.
Competing against 18 other teams, the OBs placed third after Sherborne School and Eton College, reinforcing the club’s continued strong performance in the veteran category. In the overall Open contest, won by the Royal Grammar School in Guildford, Bradfield continued to creep up the results table, placing 16th, compared with the previous year’s 20th. This ranked a strong eighth overall on an age-graded basis out of 35 teams.
ELIZABETH MCALLISTER FIRST OB HOME IN FIELD OF 250
Eight OB runners, thought to be the largest ever OB turnout for the annual race organised by Thames Hare and Hounds, braved the icy winds of Wimbledon Common for the very muddy, undulating five-mile race, which attracted a high quality and substantial field of more than 250 starters.
The standout performance by a side on competitive form was Elizabeth McAllister, née Sutherland, (I 95-97)), first OB and second lady home in an exceptionally speedy 33:40 and 71st runner overall. Her run clinched fourth place for the OBs in the ladies race out of 11. She was afterwards presented with the OB Tankard as fastest OB by last year’s trophy winner, Rob Jones (D 06-11) who came home in 35:12 in 97th position.
OBs then followed in quick succession, with Ian Kenyon (F 75-79) 118th in 36:54, Jon Salmon (B 73-78) just behind but not quite able to close the gap in 37:04 for 122nd place. Ed Talbot (E 80-85) was next in 140th place in a time of 38:22, with Tony Henderson (E 79-84) on his tail in 38:27 for 144th place, Andy Robinson (D 79-84) 147th in 38:35, and Nigel Edmead (E 76-81) completing the OB team in 233rd place in 49:07.
"Not only was this a very strong turnout by OB runners this year, but also one of our finest and most consistent performances for many years and marked by an inspiring race by Liz McAllister. Our veteran runners have been building on strong performances in recent years at this annual cross-country event and I hope that the ultimate accolade of winning an age category is not far off."
Tony Henderson, Secretary of the OB Running Club
OBs wanting to find out more about OB running events can contact Tony on tony@tonyhenderson.net
