Belles fly flag for Great Britain at European Champion Clubs Cup Cross-Country
Four Belgrave Harriers represented club and country in Albufeira, Portugal, at a prestigious European competition.
The Belgrave Women's team qualified for the ECCC for the very first time by winning the team event at the UK Cross-Challenge in November. A team of Kate Axford, Sarah Astin and Mimi Corden-Lloyd beat their closest rival Aldershot on that day by 16 points to 18. Clemmie Cooper and Molly Canham also ran in the trial.
Kate and Sarah were unavailable for the race in Portugal so the four who travelled to Portugal were; Mimi who also acted as team manager, Ruby Whyte-Wilding, Sophie Hicks and Clemmie. The 9.3km course was typical of those found in Europe, very tough undulating multi-laps with sandy banks and logs to jump over, a new experience for the Belles team. The other teams were mostly professional with many International athletes.
The team finished two places ahead of the Aldershot team in 14th place. Sophie Hicks had an outstanding run in 18th, and the others all ran well. The whole weekend was a terrific new experience for the team, travelling and being together as a group, and one which they all really enjoyed. Special thanks go to team manager Mimi for making the weekend was so successful.
RESULTS (three scorers)
18. Sophie Hicks, 33:54, 49. Ruby Whyte-Wilding 36:23, 55. Mimi Corden-Lloyd 37:28., 61. Clemmie Cooper 39:10.
Sophie Hicks, Ruby Whyte-Wilding, Clemmie Cooper and Mimi Corden-Lloyd