Athletics Westmeath XC 2024 – Day 2 (6th Oct)

Results of Day 2 – u/9, 11, 13, 15, 17.

Early morning mist gave way to bright warm sunshine in Belvedere on Sunday 6th October for Day 2 of the Athletics Westmeath Cross Country Championships. Weather and underfoot conditions were absolutely perfect for running, much to the delight of officials, spectators and the girls and boys under 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17 years that competed, the older ones vying for places on Club and County teams in the upcoming Leinster Championships. As always, Belvedere proved itself as an excellent cross country venue, testing everyone that ran.

There were plenty of newcomers and the big number of girls and boys that ran in the non-Championship under 9 races really enjoyed themselves and were delighted with their medals. Moving to the Championships proper, the race distances were no problem for those that have been training regularly. The course in Belvedere is a great test of cross country endurance and those that train there regularly will have no problem with the courses chosen for the Leinsters. There were some very good individual performances but Championship cross country is also about team running, so everyone was being closely watched by Club coaches, particularly the newcomers.

Many of the juveniles who took part on day one the previous week were back in action again, either running in their own age or moving up an age group, to get in some race experience. As on day one, the competitors on day two came from all across the County and included a number of welcome newcomers, with everyone keen to perform well.

Thanks to all who helped with parking, recording the results, marshalling and stewarding on the course, to the many parents who came and supported the competitors, and to the management and staff of Belvedere for the use of the excellent grounds, and to the athletes who provided great competition.

The Leinster Championships take place over two days, with two weeks between each, so juvenile athletes can run in their own age group and can move up an age group to make up teams. The results of both days and application in training will be used to select teams to represent Mullingar and Westmeath in the Leinster Championships.

Results of Day 2 – u/9, 11, 13, 15, 17.