The final showdown of the Three Counties Cross Country League took place on Sunday at Delapré Abbey, and North Herts Road Runners rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion! The typically tame course was transformed by recent rain into a true cross-country challenge, with a treacherous mix of tufty grass, soggy fields, deep puddles, and thick mud—just the way we like it!
   
Undeterred by the conditions, our Squirrels arrived with a mission: to secure all three team championships—Men’s, Women’s, and Combined. With 22 Squirrels racing and a fantastic support crew of scorekeepers and cheer squads, the stage was set for an epic conclusion to the season.

A Nail-Biting Finale
Going into the final race, the men needed to outperform Bedford Harriers, while the women had to outpace Rugby & Northampton AC to maintain their lead. It was a true last-race showdown!
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On the day, our NHRR women clinched victory, narrowly beating Bedford Harriers and Wellingborough & District AC. The men’s team placed second behind Rugby & Northampton AC but managed to hold off Bedford Harriers. In the combined standings, NHRR took the top spot, securing a triumphant league win over Bedford Harriers and Rugby & Northampton AC.

A Historic Victory
These results meant that NHRR claimed the treble—winning the Men’s, Women’s, and Combined Team Championships once again!

• 6th consecutive Men’s Team Championship
• 5th consecutive Women’s Team Championship
• 4th consecutive Combined Team win

The combined team dominated the final four races, securing the league title by a commanding five-point margin.

A Team Effort
This success wasn’t just about the scorers—it was a true team effort! Every Squirrel who raced played a role, from those scoring points to the B and C team runners who pushed other clubs down the standings. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed, from those competing in multiple races to those bringing energy and encouragement. The team spirit this season has been second to none!

Parkrun Roundup 
 
Chipping Norton School: Anna Greetham (26:50), Matt Roberts (26:50)
Conkers: Brian Judkins (38:19)
Finsbury: Richard Harbon (25:37)
Henlow Bridge Lakes: Matt Ankers (24:57), Dave Braybrook (27:30)
Highbury fields: Emily Yossarian (28:23)
Letchworth: James Dalton (24:12), Laura Fairbanks (27:12), Steve Brenton (28:02), Philip Flack (41:29)
Oaklands college: Bev Rimmer (42:53)
Stevenage: Sophie Thrussell (20:15), Ben Sewell (20:16), Andrew Coates (27:22), Ellie Scott (27:37), Amanda Greig (34:24)
Sunny Hill: Kris Whitmore (20:15)
University parks: Barbara Sayers (26:03)
Valentines: Darren Matussa (21:05)

This weekend saw the fourth and penultimate race in the Three Counties XC, with North Herts hoping to continue their strong showing across the current seasion. The league was returning to Wing for its first race there since 2019, where there was a new course across challenging terrain. Due to the recent weather the course was tough with the thick mud and tufty grass on undulating hills with some technical sections to navigate. 

Runners were met with beautiful sunshine; a chill in the air and the frost on the ground. But the mud and water on the ground were to make for the perfect conditions for cross country racing.

A total of 32 squirrels ran and a strong supporting contingent was on hand too. In what turned out to a great day for North Herts Road Runners, the mens team won, beating close rivals Bedford Harriers. The women were 2nd to Rugby and Northampton AC in a very close race but beat Olney Runners who were 3rd. The combined team won the race ahead of Bedford Harriers and Rugby and Northampton.

Scoring for the North Herts women were Rhia Botha, Hannah Ridley, Paula Adams and Natalie Phillips.  Whilst the men were represented in the scoring by Ben Hadman, Travis Kruger, Darren Sunter, Matt Sayers, James Warner-Smith, Vince Wright, Shahab Ahmad and Ian Datlen.

With a 4th combined team victory, North Herts Road Runners have won every race so far accumulating a lead of 4 points going into the final race.  The women are leading the league on score difference narrowly ahead of Rugby and Northampton AC, whilst the men are winning by a single point ahead of Bedford Harriers.

Going into the final race of the season on 16th February, North Herts are aiming for the treble championship of men, woman and combined team events.

First Saturday of the Month
A small but dedicated group turned out to run North Herts Road Runners fabulous First Saturday of the Month on the very muddy Norton Common! Finishers were as follows;