THE first cross country race of the new 2012/13 season took place in calm and bright conditions at Louth's London Road fields.
Although runners did not have to contend with boggy mud or driving wind and rain that usually typify such races, the course is always a test thanks to its steady rises and falls.
The senior men's race was won by north bank athlete Gregan Clarkson, who pushed Louth AC's Paul Jackson into second place.
The margin of victory for the Kingston upon Hull man was one minute and 25 seconds.
Louth veteran Nick Marsh was third. He was only 11 seconds adrift of Jackson, hinting at a return to form.
The top six was completed by three Wolds Veteran Runners Club members, who finished in quick succession.
Myc Overton, Ian Martinson and Chris Bromfield all ran strongly.
The Black and Golds took the second team prize behind Louth AC, for whom Andrew Thomas was the third counter in seventh.
In the senior ladies showdown, Cleethorpes AC's Beverley Wilson was the runaway winner.
Wilson was more than a minute and a half ahead of her closest rivals, from Grantham and Goole.
In the younger age groups, Cleethorpes AC's Luke Nuttall was the star performer.
He took individual and team gold in the Under-15 boys event.
Club-mates Jamie Kirkham and Thomas Nuttall were third and fourth, ensuring Clee AC won the team prize.
William Gibbs, Bray Davies and Archie Woods ran well to earn Clee AC the team gold in the boys' Under-11 category.
Eight members of the Grimsby Harriers were in action. The pick of the crop was Emily Barratt's performance in the Under-11 girls 1,700m contest.
Barratt ran an excellent race, positioning herself third going into the final stages.
She battled hard on the uphill finish to maintain third place.
Rowan Swinburn did well in her first cross country race for the club, as did another debutant at this discipline, Liam Atkinson.
