NSAC sends 53-strong team to Pembrey for first Gwent Cross Country League fixture
North Somerset Athletic Club travelled to Pembrey for Gwent League Race 1 – the first of five fixtures in the Gwent Cross Country League
53 athletes from North Somerset AC made the two-hour trip to Pembrey Country Park for the first of five fixtures in the Gwent Cross Country League on October 12th. This event kicks off the winter season, where athletes compete for individual and team honours.
The standout performance of the day came in the men’s U17 race, where Ben C secured his first Gwent League victory. Having competed through all the junior age groups, Ben’s dedication and consistent training paid off with a well-deserved win. His teammates—Leo D, James B, Joe F, Stan B, and Felix A—also delivered strong performances, helping the team to secure second place overall.
In the U11 girls’ race, Charlotte M and Sylvie B impressed by finishing 3rd and 7th, respectively. With additional solid performances from Georgie S, Edna J, and Nina B, the team clinched second place in their category.
The U11 boys, many of whom were making their cross-country debuts, showed great promise by finishing third as a team. Oscar R led the group with a 7th-place finish, followed by Arthur C in 11th, Ted H with a personal best in 16th, and Henry W completing the scoring team in 28th.
The U13 boys and girls’ teams both delivered the club’s best results of the day, winning their respective team categories.
In the girls’ race, Lucy B finished 6th, supported by strong runs from Georgina R (11th), Annabelle E (16th), and Isabella M (21st). In the boys’ race, Sam B narrowly edged out teammate Olly F in a sprint finish, taking 7th and 8th place, with Killy F and Ed S closely behind in 11th and 12th.
In the U15 boys’ race, Euan M was the top performer, just missing a top-ten finish with 11th place. For the U15 girls, Thea F (19th) and Agnes A (29th) put in determined performances, with Agnes making her club debut.
In the U17 women’s race, Pippa H ran confidently over the 5k course, finishing 23rd, followed closely by Frank P in 27th.
The Senior Men’s race featured over 400 competitors, with North Somerset AC competing in Division 1, having risen from Division 4 in just three years.
The 11-man team held their own, with Will Cheek leading the team home in 39th place. In the Women’s Senior Race, Helen Faubel was the club’s sole representative, finishing 82nd in a field of more than 300.
Overall, it was a strong start to the season, with the next race scheduled for Saturday, November 9th, in Cardiff, which will also feature the Cross Challenge competition.
