Women walk off with National Cross-Country Championships rewards

Highgate Harriers women claimed an impressive team bronze medal at the National Cross-Country Championships in Nottingham.

The 8km course at Wollaton Park had a bit of everything, including hills, plenty of mud, fast and flat stretches as well as a few ditches to wade through.

And all of Highgate’s fabulous four came home inside the top 60 to ensure they made it on to the podium in the team standings.

In a race that saw 788 finishers and 93 complete teams cross the line, Molly Renfer led the way for Highgate to finish 23rd in 30 minutes 57 seconds, closely followed by Hannah Viner in 28th (31.19), Emma Dixon in 46th (32.10) and Ashley Scott-Wilson in 57th (32.22).

Backing up the bronze-winning team, Emma Burgess continued her brilliant form over the mud this season to finish in a best ever 134th place (34.37).

Highgate’s brilliant bronze followed on from their silver medal-winning showing at the South of England Championships at Parliament Hill last month.

Jessica Judd (29.07) took individual victory from Louise Small (29.10) and Claire Duck (29.21), whilst Aldershot, Farnham and District AC proved their continued dominance in the team event, taking victory for an impressive fifth year in a row.

Charnwood took second, while Highgate completed the podium for the first time since 2006.

With the Southern Road Relays on the horizon, Highgate’s talented team – as defending champions – should continue to be a strong force to be reckoned with going into the road season.