Athletes once again impress at English Road Running Association men’s 12 and women’s 6-stage championships at Sutton Park
ERRA MEN’S 12 & WOMEN’S 6-STAGE ROAD RELAY, Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, April 12
On a sometimes sunny, but often overcast day, Bristol & West secured victory in the men’s 12-stage relay, while Aldershot, Farnham & District triumphed in the women’s 6-stage relay.
Just as for the Midland Championship – two weeks earlier at the same venue – Sutton Park’s authorities had decided to allow public access through Streetly Gate at the far end of the long-stage dog leg. This meant that the race was forced into using just the previous short stage for all legs, 12 for the men and six for the women.
Purists and old-stagers rued the loss of the long legs in both men’s and women’s races but others thought that the racing was more competitive and preferred the format. The alternative is to possibly seek a two-lap long stage, with its attendant difficulties, or decamp to a new venue such as Mallory Park where the British Vets now hold their relays.
Bristol & West (Graham Smith)
Men
Midland winners and English National cross-country champions Bristol & West made their intentions clear from the start and stayed ahead for most of the race before Highgate interrupted their party on leg nine through Peter Chambers. This was before Will Battershill stormed to the second quickest time of the day with a leg of 14:30.
It was Bristol’s first victory since their phenomenal 1980 12-stage course record and marked the retirement of their long-serving team manage Mike Down. However, it nearly ended in disaster as Battershill twisted his ankle on some gravel near Keepers’ Pool. He gamely carried on with adrenaline ensuring that he got up the final hill, round the tight turn and up to the finish tape.
Then it was straight to the first aid tent, an ice pack and elastic bandaging.
Battershill, who has a best of 8:21.63 in the 3000m steeplechase, said: “I went out hard from the start as I thought I could catch them but my ankle twisted by the lake. I ran it off after limping.” The fastest lap time would surely have been his without the injury.
As it was, that honour went to Pontypridd Roadent’s Jake Smith, who ran 14:28 on stage seven to advance his club ten spots to eighth place. He said: “I got out very hard and then held it together and I am getting ready for the London Marathon where I want…
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