The two-lap course of the picturesque park was fairly kind to the runners as the small amount of rain over the last few days had left the ground fairly firm underfoot.

However, there were a few patches of mud to remind runners that this was a cross country race and there would be plenty of cleaning up when you got home.

The juniors set off first and it was great to see a large number of competitors from several clubs.

It was the U-13 boys' category which produced the best result of the day for the host club, with Sam Harrison finishing in 11th place overall.

Club-mate Elin Grose was not far behind him, leading in the girls in 13th spot.

Jake McCarthy also produced one of his best runs to come 16th overall and a third U-13 boy, Liam Brophy, finished in an excellent 18th place.

Other junior results. U-13 girls: 30th Alice Maguire, 33rd Rebecca Laidlaw, 40th Jessie Gooderham, 55th Emily Good.

U-13 boys: 42nd Jack Unwin, 46th Liam Wigglesworth.

U-15 girls: 28th Sherilyn Rigby, 59th Emma Hatton, 62nd Rebecca Gooderham.

U-15 boys: 25th Michael Brand.

U-17 girls: 24th Rachel Cracknell, 51st Chloe Jennings.

In the seniors race, St Edmund Pacers' Peter Barker led the field home to claim his first win of the series.

With a large number of runners competing for the club, the team performed well.

Chris Cooke finished in ninth place, Julian Long 14th, Tim Fox 22nd, Martin Pearson 33rd, Ian Milligan 35th, Dave Vaughan 45th Phil Grose 52nd, Justin Rabett 54th, Simon Ransome 66th, Michael Nelhams 71st, John Lockwood 73rd, Ian Gooderham 75th, Simon Whalley 83rd, Chris Cook 86th, Stephens Williams 89th, Frank Tyldesley 90th, Robin Smith 136th, Brian Peck 148th, Martin Brophy 153rd, Mike Chambers 155th and William Peck 182nd.

St Edmund Pacers' ladies were also out in force and produced some very good performances.

Christine Anthony finished in 63rd position overall and Maureen McCarthy came 67th.

A very welcome return to the club races saw Pauline Field running in the familiar red, black and white stripes as she finished in 72nd place ahead of Julia Jepson, in 76th.

Pat Partridge finished 82nd, Sarah Golding 97th, Eloise Calver 116th, Helen Snazell 143rd and Karen Page 156th.

Ipswich Harriers won the team event with 970 points, narlowly ahead of St Edmunds Pacers who finished with 965 points.

Overall placings, following the six races: 1 Ipswich Harriers; 2 Stowmarket Striders; 3 St Edmund Pacers.

Pacers' individual results after six races: Elis Grose won U-13 girls; Julia Jepson second V35; Eloise Carver third V40; Pat Partridge first V50; Carl Marston 3rd V40; Dave Vaughan third V50; Chris Cook second V55; Mike Chambers third V65.


The previous day, five of the club's junior members took part in the Anglian Schools Competition.

There were impressive achievements, particularly from the girls.