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Corps Cross Country Championships 2021
REME CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS 2021
The event took place on Wednesday 3rd November 2021 following a two-year forced absence due to the pandemic. The bumper turnout of c.300 were not disappointed, blessed with near perfect autumnal racing conditions over a fully established and demanding course, across the Bulford Training Area. All categories were fiercely contested, which confirms the strength in depth held across the age groups going forward into 2022. The standard at the front of the male race boasted a handful of Army athletes, Maj Knudsen executed a sublime performance winning by 2mins from Maj Axon and SSgt Crozier.
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In the female race, LCpl Burrows stormed to victory in a self-confessed ‘first ever race win’ that the most seasoned of athlete would be proud – one to watch! Overall, there was a significant step up in talent which is testament to the hard miles that athletes have put in, despite a lack of race opportunities of late. Impressively there were 27 minor unit teams in attendance – let’s aim higher next year! President – Brig A Stuart MBE (Late REME). Chair – Col P J McArthur (Late REME) Deputy Chair – Lt Col A Yarker REME. Secretary & scribe – Maj Mike Lovell REME
Pre-race build up
The competitors are set off!!! LCpl Burrows crossing the line in first place, to win the Female race
On the course, descending one of the many hills Prizes on display
Minor Unit Champions 24 Cdo RE Wksp
The results were: Male Champion
Maj Knudsen (HQ 1 ISR Bde) Female Champion LCpl Burrows (1 AAC Wksp) Male Masters Champion WO2 Wainwright (47 RA Wksp) Female Masters Champion Maj Hayes (MOD Abbey Wood) Male 45+ Masters Champion WO1(RSM) Jarvis (6 Armd CS Bn REME) Female 45+ Masters Champion Brig Faithfull-Davies (HQ 102 Log Bde) U23 Male Champion LCpl Stott (1 AAC Wksp) U23 Female Champion Cfn Scott (36 Engr Regt Wksp) Reserve Male Champion Cpl Edgley (103 Bn REME) Major Unit Champions 13 AASP Regt, 8 Para Fd Coy Minor Unit Champions 24 Cdo RE Wksp Male Masters Champions 6 Armd CS Bn REME Female Team Champions 5 FS Bn REME U23 Team Champions 3 Armd CS Bn REME
Male Champion Maj Knudsen (HQ 1 ISR Bde) Female Champion LCpl Burrows (1 AAC Wksp) U23 Male Champion LCpl Stott (1 AAC Wksp)
We had the privilege of hosting President REME XC, Brig Stuart MBE, Brig Faithfull-Davies CBE, Comd 102 Log Bde and Maj Gen (Retd) McClean CBE, previous President REME XC and honoured guest. Unfortunately, representatives from our kind sponsors, Brig (Retd) Allan Thomson, Aspire Defence or Mr Jon Reed, MooD Defence could not be in attendance. I take this opportunity to thank our sponsors for their ongoing support to REME XC, and CO’s 3, 4 and 6 Armd CS Bn REME for the Real-Life Support function yet again provided – the event simply could not go ahead without them.
Finally, REME XC marked the occasion presenting richly deserved Corps Colours to Maj Hayes, Capt Hunt, SSgt Crozier and Cpl Williamson, presented by Maj Lovell;
Additional noteworthy results since the championship include complete dominance across the Regional XC Championships:
RC (South) Champion – Maj Knudsen
RC (North) Champion – Maj Axon
RC (Midlands) Champion – SSgt Crozier
Looking forward…
Inter Corps Cross Country Championships – (23 Feb 22) location TBC. Corps Half Marathon Championships (20 Mar 22) – Fleet Half Marathon, incorporating Inter Service and Army Championships. Corps Road Relay Championships – (Jul 22) location TBC pending confirmation of Corps Festival of Sport. Ex CRAFTSMAN RUNNER 6 (4 – 10 Sep 22), Keswick, Lake District. Corps training camp aimed at all levels from beginner to the seasoned Corps athlete for 40 REME personnel. Corps Social Media – REME Running (Strava running group), download the app and request to join the c.850 runners already involved, it is that easy!
Finally, if you are interested in running (in any capacity) and want to get involved or have any queries regarding the sport contact the team: Secretary – Maj Mike Lovell (Michael.lovell534@mod.gov.uk) Male Captain – Capt Chris Eastman (Christopher.Eastman759@mod.gov.uk) Female Captain – Maj Charlotte Hayes (Charlotte.Hayes774@mod.gov.uk) Masters Captain – WO2 Tony Jarvis (Antony.Jarvis569@mod.gov.uk) U23 Male Captain – SSgt’s James Oke / Sam Crozier (James.Oke111@mod.gov.uk | Samuel.Crozier698@mod.gov.uk)
