AS you may know, we enjoy following the progress of Harlow middle distance runner, George Watkins.

St Mark’s pupil George is now running for Woodford Green and Essex Ladies.

Here is their report

Under 15 Boys

We had two Woodies on the start line for the 3k race from around 180 starters. This field had all the leading contenders from the UK and, soon after the start, George Watkins was right up there with the leading pack.

Daniel Arnold was also prominent, in the early twenties. George was asked not to venture in front in the horseshoe part of the course and stuck to that instruction. Coming back into the main part of the concourse Withnall (English Schools 1500m champion) and Alem (English Schools XC Champion ) broke away from the rest.

Approaching the top end of the park with around 500 metres to go, the two leaders were neck and neck, but our athlete rallied brilliantly up the hill to be in 3rd place going into the final part of the course. Withnall and Alem battled it out for the lead right to the end and a photo finish was required to decide the winner.

George had slipped to 6th with 200 metres to run but a tremendous finish got our lad back to 4th spot, just behind the Welsh Champion, Parry. Daniel, meanwhile, having an inspired race, was 24th – just 30 seconds separating our two runners. The lads loved the occasion so much, the atmosphere, etc., leaving them contemplating competing in the series in the New Year.

https://wgel.org.uk/news/10-athletics/3640-uk-cross-challenge-and-european-trials-2