Athletics round-up: Barnsley AC win another county crown

Barnsley AC won the Yorkshire Cross Country title for the first time in their history. They added the trophy to their collection that already includes the half marathon, 15-mile and 10-mile titles at county level.

The team were led home by Gavin Felton and Scott Bennett who battled on despite injury. Next was the much-improved Melvin Wallace then Paul Altree who raced in the Wombwell Five that morning. Mark Hurrell was the fifth Barnsley runner back and it was his best performance of the season which won the club the title. Jenny Wakemen finished second in her age category and Kerry Storrar was third in her group.

Athletes from all over the country took part in the Wombwell SAC five-mile road race last Sunday.The course was shortened due to work by the waterboard but was well attended with 219 finishers.

The Barnsley Harriers won the senior team title and veteran team titles for both men and women.Their B team were third in the veteran men’s race.

Richard Smith of Holmfirth Harriers was the overall winner with a time of 26-05, 35 seconds clear of Barnsley man Darren Middleton who ran for  Leeds City AC. Jade Allen from Rotherham Harriers was first woman in 29-23.

There were a couple of winners from Barnsley. David Darby of Barnsley AC was first vet50 while Joanne Bolton of Kingstone Runners took the women’s vet45 prize.