Fenwick leads strong Harborough showing at County Cross Championships
Sean Fenwick produced a superb performance to win the Men's Masters title at the Leicestershire & Rutland County Cross Country championships at Rotherby Farm near Melton Mowbray on Sunday.
Cross country events at this time of year are often made tough by icy and muddy conditions, but competitors were fortunate this year as freezing temperatures left the ground firm, though still challenging underfoot. It was a welcome change from the heavy mud experienced at the championships on this course two years ago.
Racing early in the new year, when many athletes are still feeling the effects of the festive season, Fenwick showed his class by pulling clear of the field to take gold in the 10k race. The long-serving Harborough Athletics Club member capped a strong start to the season and continues his build-up towards the Adidas Manchester Marathon in April, where he will represent Team GB following his impressive performance at last year’s Cheshire Marathon.
Fenwick’s success adds to an excellent year having also been named Road Runner of the Year at Harborough AC’s 2025 awards night.
Harborough athletes enjoyed success across the age groups. Maddie Stevens showed great determination to secure the bronze medal in the Women’s Under-20 race over 8k. Club newcomer Nicola Hazell finished an impressive sixth in the Women’s Masters race, while Maxine Ward placed 41st in the Senior Women’s event as she begins her preparations for this year’s London Marathon.
The club’s juniors also impressed. Ben Styles finished fifth in the Under-15 boys’ race, a result that puts him in contention for County selection at the upcoming UK Inter-Counties Championships. Paddy Collier placed sixth in the Under-13 boys’ race, while nine-year-old Aneese Essoof finished 17th in the Under-11 girls’ event, bravely tackling the cold conditions in the first race of the day.
Club Chair Chris Burrell finished 34th in the Men’s Masters race and praised the efforts of club volunteers John Thompson, Martin Hughes and Mike Edwards, who officiated throughout the day.
Elsewhere, Imogen Noone-Broughton finished ninth in the Under-13 girls’ race at the Northamptonshire Championships, while Dan Widdowson won the Men’s 40 age-group race, with his son Alex finishing ninth in the Under-15 boys’ event.
Overall, it was a proud day for the club, highlighting depth, determination and a strong start to the new athletics season.