University runners dominate Cross Country event

The final race held at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall, saw the University take the top three spots in the junior men’s and ladies’ category to land the team prizes. The winner of the men’s race was Jack Fitsall with Juliette Broster taking the honours for the ladies. The University of Exeter also took the top spot in the men’s senior category.

University of Exeter Cross Country Captain, Ollie Garrod, who finished third in the junior men’s event, said:  “It's been a fantastic league to compete in once again, thanks must go to the organisers of each of the six fixtures and in particular Leading Physical Trainer Baz Chambers and the committee.

As a team we've relished the challenging courses over a range of terrains, and of course the food afterwards, making all the hills, river crossings and steps worth it! We are delighted to have had such a successful campaign this year and we're looking forward to the defence of our trophies in 2013.”

The South West United Service Service Cross Country League is made up of runners from the Devon and Cornwall Police; the Devon and Cornwall Fire Brigade; University of Exeter and military personnel from HMS Drake and 29 Commando in Plymouth; HMS Raleigh and the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall; the Commando Logistics Regiment, the Commando Training Centre Lympstone and Britannia Royal Naval College in Devon and the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset.  The runners compete is individual categories and a team event.

The league is administered by Royal Navy Physical Training Instructors Baz Chambers and Craig Bryant, who are based at HMS Raleigh.  Leading Physical Trainer Chambers said:  “We have had an impressive attendance of 183 males and 29 females this season.  There is no limit to the number of runners who can be involved in this very successful league and we will be looking to improve on this in the seasons to come.”

Story courtesy and images of HMS Raleigh