Birmingham University student Claire Holme (Ipswich Harriers), who represented the Norwich Union GB Team at this year’s World Cross Country Championships, was the winner of the combined Under 20/Under 17 race in which the Under 17s showed that they could mix it with the athletes in the older age group, filling three of the top six places.

Under 20 Holme, who during the race had built up a 50m lead at one point, came home in 17:50 just three seconds ahead of fast finishing Under 17 Sian Edwards (Kettering Town Harriers). 

Holme said: “That was tough.  It was so muddy I kept slipping backwards.  It is my first race of the season so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I enjoyed it. 

"I could hear everyone shouting so I knew that I was being caught at the end.  I just tried to keep pushing.  I plan to run in the Cross Country Relays in Mansfield next week and then train hard and ease up before the Trials.”

Emily Pidgeon won the joint races in devastating style for the second year running. Emily was awarded with just the under 17 title, despite the fact that she was running in a Junior Women's number and was bitterly disappointed not to have her victory properly recognised.

Claire Holme (Ipswich) was awarded the junior title despite finishing five seconds behind Pidgeon. Although she admits she prefers hills the Birmingham University physiotherapy student said she found parts of the course difficult to run over because her back was pulling as she ran down some of the slopes.