Critchlow rolls back the years to lift title

Dec 16 2009 Harrow Observer

HARROW Athletic Club's Julian Critchlow stepped up a gear to win the veterans' (over 40) title at the North of the Thames Championships at Kingsbury's Fryent Country Park on Saturday, writes Tony Bush.

The 48-year-old gave away several years to some of his rivals but showed the benefit of increased training to finish eighth in the combined seniors/vets race and earn a clear victory in the veterans' category.

Peter Norris just held off a resurgent Mark Cursons, as the pair finished 20th and 21st respectively, while Alan Wray closed in the four-to-score team in 25th.

Danny Watkins showed remarkable powers of recovery to finish 52nd just six days after completing the Luton Marathon.

Meanwhile Kevin Concannon, Terry McIntyre and Mike Lepps provided good support as Harrow finished fourth in all three team races (four, six and eight runners to score).

Andrew Holliman continues to progress and he finished a good seventh in the U17 race.

Adam Gribben placed eighth in the U20 event while Lewis Hawkins took 10th spot in the U15 race.

BRENDAN Greene ran a superb tactical race to ensure he was the first Queens Park Harrier runner across the HOne in the host club's North of the Thames Championships at Fryent Country Park on Saturday.

Following his recent escapades at the Luton Marathon, Greene showed why he is one of the Harriers' premier cross-country athletes with a time of 29.07 for 49th place. Michael Dmitrazk crossed the line in 29.17 for 52nd place shortly followed by Joe Sinclair (77th/31.28) and Andrew Galligan (82nd/32.03). The most impressive run of the day came from Frank Nolan in 32.13.

Richard Davis clocked 36.16 followed by Steve Newark (37.08), Peter Wilkinson (38.45) and John Walerych (47.53).

Jacquie Young completed the ladies' race in 31.44 for 52nd place.