Belgrave Harriers are the women’s Surrey Cross Country League champions once more, sealing the title with a fine performance at West Horsley Place.

Under golden skies fizzing with drones and the fumes of a braai wagon, the Belles scored a joint victory with Guildford and Godalming at the final round of the Surrey League. The Belles finish the season with three wins in four league fixtures, taking back a trophy they last won in 2022.

The Bels meanwhile secured a dominant team win at West Horsley Place, their second victory of the season confirming silver in the team standings. Dylan Evans won the men’s race outright, while the men also lifted the ‘B’ team title for the third year in a row.

Both teams have made significant steps forward this term, having finished third in their respective team standings in the 2022/23 season.

Gordon breaks out and leads Belles to victory

Belgrave’s success this season was built upon a fearsome engine room that consistently dominated the top half of races, pushing rival sides down the order and out of contention. While the title was first and foremost a group endeavour, this term some of our newer members have stood up and taken responsibility for turning the team from good to great.

Emma Gordon was the star of the season finale, storming to second place in just her second Surrey League outing. The former Liverpool Harrier has a very bright future ahead of her for Belgrave, and the mature, controlled manner of her performance leaves us in no doubt that she’ll soon turn silver into (claret) and gold.

Emma Gordon on her way to second place
*Credit: Danny Easton*

The Belles’ outing was laced with individual narratives, and Emma was followed home by another breakout performer in Emily Robbins. Emily’s eighth place was enough to secure her third place in the league’s individual rankings, the highlight of her season being a fourth place on Wimbledon Common last month.

Naomi Lenane, Emily Lowery and Emily Bradley rounded off the scorers for Belles. This was Naomi’s second season in Belgrave colours, and she is making her mark on the club as a reliable racer who can chip in with points when required. Our remaining Emilys concluded their first terms in Belgrave colours in style, and we have high hopes for both of them on the road and track in the months ahead.

Emily Robbins battles Herne Hill’s Sophie Tooley
*Credit: Danny Easton*

You simply cannot win a Surrey League without a good supporting act. Co-captain Stephanie Hewitt was closely followed home by Zoe Macdonald and Georgia Holden, with Samantha Munday rounding off the top 30. Mhairi Hall and co-captain Mimi Corden-Lloyd finished a second apart. Mhairi’s resurgence this season has been particularly enjoyable to watch, and she heads into April’s London Marathon in good form.

Specialist fell-runner Natalie Beadle, Ella-May Hards - who is returning well from injury - Sara Ridmy, Emily Goff and Sarah Dewhirst made up our finishers.

Our runners coped well with a looping course that mixed firm ground with sticky bog. The future’s bright but it’s vital to embrace the here and now. Our athletes are committed trainers and indefatigable competitors, and have gotten the riches that they so truly deserve this season.

Onwards to Nationals.

Belles reclaim Surrey League title with victory at West Horsley Place

Gordon breaks out and leads Belles to victory

Belgrave Harriers

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