Hertfordshire Cross Country Championships – Sunday 7 January 2024

This event took place at Verulamium Park, St Albans, and Barnet were able to field both Women’s and Men’s teams.

Much credit has to go to the organisers at Herts AAA, and the host Club, St Albans, for dealing with significant last minute changes to the courses that were requested by St Albans Council and Historic England. This was because much of the park is designated as a Scheduled Monument because of the remains of the Roman settlement that are there. These concerns increased following the heavy rain at the end of last week. These enforced modifications made for some interesting running and a welcome change from the previous course which many of us had raced on before. The new course included the old golf course that is just behind the athletics track. One thing that hadn’t changed was the profile of the course – which still had plenty of undulations and several long, leg shredding hills!

Thankfully, on the day, the weather was kind, although it was very cold despite the sunshine. All very different from the Middlesex cross country champs held at Horsenden Hill the day before – which was a proper mud bath!

The Women’s course had meant to be 8km (5 miles), but the modifications resulted in a slightly longer course of 8.4km (5.25 miles). The changes also affected the Men’s course distance, but in the other direction! It had meant to be 12km (7.5 miles), but came in at just 10.8km (6.75 miles).

Everyone gave it 100% and did the Club proud. Competition was very strong!