Write-up by: Andy Knight
If the colours are starting to change at Walsall Arboretum, that can only mean one thing: the cross country season is about to begin!
The first race in the prestigious West Midlands Young Athletes Cross Country League is always one of the many highlights of the BRAT year, and this was no different. I’m sure it’s not just me, but with every passing year there is a greater buzz around the BRAT tent, more athletes and parents staying for the entire programme to cheer on teammates and more under 11s than ever!
There were countless standout performances, including many by athletes who have never run in a cross country race or even represented BRAT before; the hard work of athletes and coaches is paying off! Well done all!
There was great drama in the under 11 girls’ race, with Nya Williams involved in a titanic tussle for the win. Despite narrowly missing out this time and finishing second, Nick reliably informs me that this is the closest a BRAT athlete has come to winning one of these races THIS CENTURY! Wow! What a testament to the standard of this league (many of today’s winners feature highly in the biggest national races), Nya’s hard work and of course Nick’s dedication and knowledge!
Other high finishing BRATs included George Wrigley (7th u11B), Thomas Woodward (9th u11B), Daniel Tyler (17th u13B), Luke Downing (18th u13B), Amira Emery (15th u15g), Josh King (10th u15B), Josh Taylor (12th u15B) and Kaelen van Vliet (17th u17B).
In the team competitions BRAT are currently in medal positions in the u15 boys (2nd) and u11 boys (3rd). The u13 boys are also in the hunt in 4th place. It’s still early days so things can change across all age groups. Five athletes score points for the team (three in the u17s) so having a big squad out in every race is crucial across the season – a real team effort.
All Photos: here
Full Results: here
