RHAC at the Northern Cross Country Champ’s, 2025

31st January 2025

Jennie, Louise and Danielle representing Rochdale at the Northern XC Championships, 2025

ON SATURDAY 25th JANURAY 2025, Tatton Park, Cheshire, was the chosen venue to host one of the blue ribbon events of the cross country calendar, the Northern Championships.

Conditions on the day saw cold but clear blue skies for the runners who had travelled from as far north as Jarrow, to as far south as North Derbyshire, and most towns and cities in between.

212 women lined up for the approximate 8km / 5 mile senior race, with three Rochdale vests amongst the elite field.

Danielle Dignan was first Rochdale to complete the two large laps, after 38:36 in 147th place. Jennie Ransome clocked 40:49 for 164th place, with Louise Eadsforth 196th after 45:08.

The senior men faced three large laps for an approximate 11.75km / 7.5 mile blast south of the park. 397 runners took their marks with six Rochdale vests in the mix.

Richard leading Rochdale’s men home at the Northern XC Championships, 2025

Richard Stirzaker was first Rochdale back, 219th after 46:20. Jonny Lawlor followed in 50:35 for 302nd place with Pete Butterworth 355th, clocking 55:35.

Chris Gee had the legs to outsprint three in the final straight to clock 1:02:03 and 377th place. Ray Dalby ran superbly taking the Vet70 title in 1:07:12 for 387th overall, with Neil Eaton shortly behind in 388th after 1:08:24.

The crown jewel of the cross country season is fast approaching with the historic race returning to London’s Parliament Hill on 22nd February, where a coach load of Harriers will descend on the capital.

Julie smashing it at the Petzl Night Runner Rivington 10km

On Saturday evening two Harriers journeyed over to Rivington for the Petzl Night Runner Rivington 10km, a looped course setting off at 6pm in the dark with a headtorch as essential kit. The route is over varied, often muddy terrain visiting Rivington Pike and Two Lads site.

337 runners lined up to set off into the dark.

Henry Pickup stopped the clock after 54:35 for 23rd place with Julie Smith 326th, returning after 1:39:30.

On Sunday 26th January Juliet Smith competed in the British Masters Indoor 3000m race at Sheffield’s Indoor Arena. Juliet ran home after 12:13 to claim 10th place and 4th Vet45, a worthy achievement when competing at the top end of the Vet45-49 category.

Also on Sunday, Julie Smith made it a double race weekend, taking on the Stockport Daffodil 10k, a popular local race on closed roads around Woodford.

Julie joined 1266 other runners and claimed 1157th place with a time of 1:12:54.