An individual success for Basildon AC's Nick Wetheridge in the men's race and a team triumph for Thurrock Harriers in the ladies' competition summed up the main glory for local clubs in the Essex Cross-Country Championships at waterlogged Gloucester Park.
With the Park's adjacent athletics track under at least four inches of water, competitors were able to clean the mud off themselves and their spikes at the end of the event.
On the run - Thurrock's Elin Engdahl (right) in action in the women's race, but she was eventually overtaken by Basildon's Alexa Joel (left) who finished fifth.
Wetheridge's triumph in 40 minutes 1 seconds for the 11 km course spearheaded a fine Basildon men's display which saw them finish with five athletes in the top 10.
Neil Bangs was the first Thurrock man home in sixth spot, while Colin Miles took the individual glory for Southend AC in 15th place from a field of 180.
Gail Dawson led the Thurrock Ladies charge in sixth place with 33mins 07 secs for the eight kilometre course.
However, top local individual was Basildon's Alexa Joel just three seconds in front in fifth position.
Published Friday, January 10, 2003
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