Tameside athletes star for Greater Manchester

Tameside was well represented at last Saturday’s Inter Counties Cross Country Championships in Nottingham, with several athletes from the borough competing as part of the Greater Manchester team. 

Five runners from Ashton based club East Cheshire Harriers took part in the prestigious event across various different categories. 

Katie Kay – who also represented her county at last year’s event – flew the flag for the senior women, finishing the 8k course in a time of 34 minutes and 30 seconds, while Michael Holness’ completed the 10k senior men’s event in 34 minutes and 11 seconds. 

Following the event, Katie told the Reporter: 

“It’s always an amazing experience to be selected and to have the opportunity to toe the line at these events with such an incredible field of runners - the standard is always amazing. 

“I felt like I really struggled this year, my calves were screaming at me from a mile in and I felt really flat, but after the race found that I ran over a minute quicker than last year so that’s probably why it felt so hard. 

“I felt honoured to pull on a county vest for the second time and was proud to be part of the GM team and equally loved sharing the experience with my ECH teamies and cheering them on in their races.” 

Michael added: “I’m always incredibly proud to put on the GM vest and represent the county, it’s a real honour.  

“I’ve been privileged enough to do this three times now, once as a junior in 1998 and twice as a senior.  

“It never loses its intensity, all the fastest cross country runners in the UK, it’s so tough, but I’m not sure how many more times I’ll get to do it so I put as much into it as I could and made sure I gave a good account of myself.  

“Really great to see East Cheshire so well represented as well, I’m very proud of us as a small club, getting our athletes into big races like this.” 

Michael - who is also a coach at East Cheshire Harriers - saw one of his young runners, Jacob Shearing, race to the finish in the 3k under 13 race in a speedy 12 minutes and 11 seconds, as he took part for the second consecutive year. 

Speaking on Jacob’s achievement, Michael commented: 

“Jacob’s had a fantastic cross-country season, he deserved his place in the GM team and he’s had some really outstanding races this year.  

“He found it hard, struggling with a stitch from quite early on, but soldiered on through to the finish and actually improved on his position last year, which just shows you what great progress he’s made. 

“He actually finished in the highest position out of all of us from East Cheshire. 

“I’ve been coaching Jacob in my group at East Cheshire for about a year and a half now and I couldn’t be prouder of how well he’s doing.  

“He’s a very dedicated trainer, naturally talented, but certainly not complacent, he puts the work in, and it shows in his race performances.  

“He’s also a very polite young man, a real credit to his mum and dad, and a delight to coach, so it’s especially pleasing to see him get good results and get to compete in big races like this.” 

Elsewhere, sibling pairing Marshall and Harri-Ann Fleet competed in the 6k under 17 and under 20 events respectively, with the former reaching the finish line in 21:42, while the latter did so in exactly half an hour. 

Martin Lewis, who coaches Marshall and Harri-Ann, said: 

“I’m really chuffed for both Marshall and Harri-Anne to be selected to represent their county against the best from GB and Northern Ireland.  

“Marshall was bundled to the floor right at the crowded start, but fortunately was able to get up quick with only slight bruising and managed to battle back up the field, although his position had been compromised by the early tumble.  

“Harri, who has battled minor illnesses all winter, had a decent run against many athletes a year older than her.  

“I am proud of their selection for the county and pleased with their performances, as I am with Katie’s, Mike’s and Jacob’s from the club, who also represented their county, and our club, with distinction.” 

Their efforts saw the Greater Manchester men’s team pick up a 6th place finish overall, with the women finishing in 19th.