West Cumberland Orienteering Club’s Great Britain squad members Alistair Thomas and Zac Hudd took the top two places in an event organised by the Border Liners club on Askham Common at the weekend.
The event, which attracted a good turnout of West Cumberland’s members, featured many hidden pits and depressions on the open fell terrain, but Alistair overcame the obstacles to take victory over the long 10.2km brown course in a time of 48minutes 45 seconds, ahead of Hudd, who clocked 49.11.
Others making the top 10 were Steve Birkinshaw (fourth), Joe Hudd (fifth), Mike Harrison (seventh) and Jamie Rennie (10th).
Also taking top honours for the club was Mike Billinghurst, who was victorious on the 6.8km blue course in 47.01. Club members joining him in the top 10 were — Alan Irving (third), Wilf Teasdale (fourth), Howard Leslie (sixth) and Stuart Crawford (eighth). Lynne Thomas was first lady in 11th place overall, ahead of Caitlin Irving in second spot.
On the popular 4.5km green course, the top 10 spots were packed with WCOC members, Herbie Ashworth taking an emphatic win in 29.48, almost eight minutes ahead of the rest of the field. Daniel Heppell was the runner-up, followed by Emma Crawford in third and Isabel Sunley fourth, Isaac Hunter sixth, James Birkinshaw seventh and Roger Thomas eighth.
Sophie Crawford finished second over the 3.6km short green course, while Hannah Birkinshaw and Jennie Stein took second and third respectively on the 3.8km orange course.
In the women’s competition, Helen Rennie was first, with Lynne Thomas second and Alex Crawford third.
On the short 2.9km course, Emma Crawford had a strong run to win in 22.06, ahead of Wilf Teasdale in second and Issy Sunley third.
The rest of the top 10, in order of finishing, was: Daniel Heppell, Daisy Rennie, Carl Humphreys, Isaac Hunter, Sophie Crawford, Deborah Goodwin and Toby Heppell (10th).
West Cumberland Orienteering Club is continuing to run events under strict COVID-19 protocols which require pre-entry and membership of British Orienteering for participants. For information visit www.wcoc.co.uk
