Athletics Westmeath XC 2019 – Day 2 (13th Oct)

Perfect conditions for final day of Athletics Westmeath Cross Country

Very heavy rain overnight and early in the morning cleared just in time on Sunday morning 13th October for Day 2 of the Athletics Westmeath Cross Country Championships in Belvedere, where competition was for boys and girls u/9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19 and 18 and for novice, junior, senior and master men and women. Belvedere proved itself yet again as an excellent cross country venue as the ground just soaked the heavy rain and the underfoot conditions were very good, with only a few isolated muddy places. It was dry calm and overcast, perfect for cross country racing, drawing a great attendance with the numbers taking part up on last year, boosted by a good number from Athlone IT in the underage races in particular and a big number from North Westmeath AC in the senior and masters race.

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. All the underage races were keenly contested especially the u/9 and u/11 races, and the last race of the day was a combined race for girls and boys u/17, 18 and 19, and for men and women Novice, Senior and Master. All the women ran 4,000m and all the men ran 6,000m, everyone running over the same course but with different numbers of laps, and with seventy runners racing out from the start, it was a great spectacle to watch the early stages of the race as the large field snaked its way around the rolling hills of Belvedere.

Thanks to all who helped recording results and stewarding on the course, and to the many parents who came and supported the competitors, but in particular to all the athletes who competed.

Selection for juvenile Club and County teams for the Leinster Championships will be based on the results from both days and on application in training. A few juveniles unavoidably missed one day or the other, or were ill, but they can still be considered for team selection if officials are happy that they are fit and able to train. The Club has a great reputation in underage cross country running, due in no small part to athletes running in their own age group but also moving up an age group to make up Club and County teams. Therefore, in line with the long time practice and what is effectively Club policy we expect everyone selected on teams to compete.

The results of day two are HERE.