Clubs that form part of Ronhill’s sponsorship programme of supporting grassroots athletics were in the medals at the 2012 National Cross-Country Championships, which took place at London’s Parliament Hill on February 25.
The day included the 125th running of the Senior Men’s Championship, with Leeds City Athletics Club winning the Senior Men’s team trophy ahead of Tipton Harriers.
“We’re delighted to reach a significant milestone this year with our 10th successive national cross country team medals and our 6th team win at the same venue where the streak started,’ says Simon Deakin, LCAC’s team manager.
“The lads rose to the challenge magnificently, from youngsters James Wilkinson and Carl Smith, to 6th scorer Martin Gostling, now 37, who’s a team stalwart and amazingly winning his first national gold medal.”
Aldershot, Farnham & District are one of the top clubs in English athletics.
Over the past five years AFD athletes, including Steph Twell and Andy Vernon, have won a string of individual and team gold medals.
This year AFD won five of the 10 team events and had five individual medalists.
AFD’s gold medal haul came from Katie Shiel-Rankin (Under 15 Girls), Jonny Hay (Junior Men) and Emelia Gorecka (Junior Women), while in the team results the gold rush came from the Under 15 Girls, Under 17 Women, Under 17 Men, Junior Women and Junior Mens teams.
Ronhill brand founder Dr Ron Hill MBE (pictured) was at the National Cross-Country Championships as a special guest and presented awards to individuals and teams.
Ron says: “It was a really good day with great conditions for the runners.
“Last year I took part in the national at Alton Towers in horrendous conditions.
“It was good to meet with the sponsored clubs and have pictures taken with them.
“I also had the chance to meet up with some of my peers from when I was captain of the England team.”
Oliver Carter, Ronhill’s marketing manager, adds: “We are delighted with Leeds City’s result, which crowns another strong winter season for the senior men’s team.
“Alongside Leeds’ result, the high placing of Tipton Harriers, AFD’s continued high performances and Bristol & West shows that with our support and investment in grassroots athletics it allows athletes and clubs achieve their goals.”
