Thetford AC were the proud hosts of the 2018 Norfolk County Cross Country championships which took place at Barnham Common. There were a record number of entries as athletes from clubs all across the county came to compete on what proved to be a tough course, The Thetford didn’t disappoint and produced a number of outstanding performances.
First up were the U11’s who took on a 2km course with Daniel Clouston being the sole Thetford boy and finishing 9th place (9:53). First back, representing the girls, was Bethany Wilson finishing in 5th (10:10) who was followed by Evie Harris in a time of 10:43 placing her 11th. Completing the Thetford team of girls was Alicia Mae Howard who raced to a 14th place finish (11:04).
Next were the U13’s who tackled the longer course of 3km. Ollie Sanders finished 8th (12:28) with Charlie Garrod just behind in 10th place (13:01). Completing the course in 15:35 was Ewan Peck who finished a respectable 23rd.
In the girls event, Abigail Clouston finished a creditable 5th place (12:33) whilst Isabel Smythe raced home in 15th place (14.13).
The last of the Thetford juniors to compete were the U15’s who ran a 4km course. The only female competitor was Jessica Norkett who raced to an impressive 4th place (16:34). The first boy back was Ben Garrod who finished 6th (15:38), with Tyler Howard the next to return finishing 11th (16:26). Zak Mitchell completed the Thetford team coming home in 20th position (18:55). The impressive performances of the Thetford trio of U15 boys meant that they managed to claim the bronze medal in the team event.
Elsewhere some members of Thetford AC were competing in the Suffolk County Championships held at Culford School. In the U13 boys event, James Peck finished in an excellent 4th place (12:09) closely followed by his brother Ben Peck in 6th (12:46). Next to finish was Callum Wing in 20th position (15:49). These great individual performances also led to Thetford taking 3rd place in the team event.
Due to their performances in the Norfolk County Championships, Jessica Norkett and Abigail Clouston have gained automatic selection for the Norfolk team for the upcoming National Inter-Counties Cross Country Championships to be held at Loughborough. Likewise, James Peck has gained selection for the Suffolk team.
