Westmeath AAI XC 2021 – Day 2 (10th Oct)

A great day’s competition at Westmeath Cross Country

Early morning fog gave way to beautiful sunshine in Belvedere on Sunday 10th October for Day 2 of the Athletics Westmeath Cross Country Championships. Competition was for girls and boys under 9, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19 years and for novice, junior, senior and master women and men. Belvedere proved itself yet again as an excellent cross country venue and underfoot conditions were absolutely perfect, under bright sunny skies and with no wind, it was a fabulous autumn morning, which helped to attract a large entry, especially in the adult races where there were teams from Athlone, Coralstown-Kinnegad, Mullingar and North Westmeath.

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 and the last race of the day was a combined race for girls and boys under 17 and under 19 years, and for Novice, Senior and Master women and men. All the women ran 4,000m, the older master men also ran 4,000m, the senior men ran 8,000m and the rest of the men ran 6,000m, everyone starting together and running over the same course but with different numbers of laps, and with nearly ninety runners racing out from the start, it was quite a 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 last Sunday recording the results 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, but especially to the athletes who provided great competition.

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 from day two are HERE.