On the country...
Time to get dirty...
Its that time of year again as gloves and tracksters get dusted off, the metronomic sound of clattering spikes crossing tarmac roads awakens the soul; and the sight of steam rising from the hoards of hopefuls lining up in the mud, brings anticipation. Rubbing shoulders with stars, local leaguers in worn out vests that tell the tales of years of sweat, and weathering; another summer – gone, another cross country season – dawning.
Anyway, enough of the poetic meandering. This is the time for many club and international runners whose goals and aspirations for the year really do lie off road. For many cross country is the heart of the sport of running; its doesnt get any more basic, but equally its where only the toughest prevail, and for those just lacking that bit of leg speed to be really quick on the track its an arena where the playing field is leveled.
Whatever the weather...
Of course its also the time of year that many of our heroes seek to lay the foundations, building endurance for the following season, certainly it has proved to do such athletes as trackie Andy Baddely, legends Paula Radcliffe and Kelly Holmes, fell runners extraordinaire Steve Vernon, Andi Jones and Rob Jebb, and even Olympic triathlete Alistair Brownlee, no harm in recent years.
Alistair Brownlee - dreaming of Olympic glory
But for thousands of club runners, this is where it matters. Dreams will be realised and shattered, mud will be ploughed through by thoroughbreds and carthorses alike, sweat will be, er, well sweated, and a thousand tears will be cried by youths, juniors, seniors and veterans, in disappointment and joy – yep its here, its time to get dirty, in the words of the great Brendan Foster, “on the cuntree” – we cant wait!
Red Rum - not your average nag
