The second event in the UK Cross Challenge series took place at a very wet and windy Sefton Park in Liverpool, just as Storm Bert was sweeping the country. Underfoot conditions were often treacherous and heavy rain affected many races. The older events form the basis for selection of the UK team to take part in the European Cross Country Championships in Turkey next month.

 

There are no team awards, but several Trafford AC members took part individually.

 

First off was Ethan O'Brien who finished a commendable 41st in a very large U13 Boys race.

 

This was followed by Adrian White achieving an excellent 12^th in the U15 Boys, having competed in the previous Cross Challenge in Cardiff last month. The ever dependable Ben Gardner finished 41st in this race.

 

Next came the combined U17/ U20 Womens race, which was the first of the European selection races. Great runs from Ava and Sara Clough saw them finish 26^th and 31st in the U20 race, while Ursula Bailey battled the conditions to claim 86^th in the U17 section.

 

Over 300 athletes lined up for the combined U17/U20 Mens race with Trafford having 4 competitors.

 

Freddie Meredith ran a good race to finish 51st in the U20 section, followed by Luke Carrington in 153rd. In the U17 race, Pio Aron found the conditions difficult but still managed  to finish 57^th with Ben Keeley not far behind in 78^th spot.

 

The U23 Mens race saw Finley Proffitt finish an excellent 12^th place, only missing European selection by a few seconds. Seb Patrick was 92nd in this race.

 

Full results can be seen here: https://results.sporthive.com/events/7265327202869182464