The 71st fixture of this prestigious and historic cross country fixture on the London winter season was held at Fryent Country Park in Kingsbury on a sunny day.Conditions were perfect with little wind, firm ground and in places a good covering of grass.

The men’s race was contested over a distance of approximately five miles (two and a half laps of an undulating course). There was an intriguing contest at the front as a group of six went clear early on, while a short distance back there were some excellent performances being achieved by committed club runners. The firm ground enabled good times to be recorded and a fast pace was maintained. The eventual winner was Mohamed Daud of Hillingdon Athletic Club in 24:24 followed by Andrew Penny of London Heathside in 24:44. Third place was achieved by Robert Thompson of Hillingdon in 25:11.

Queens Park Harrier competitors made good efforts and enjoyed the experience. Their results were: 36. Matt Kitching 28:50, 66. Michael Dmitrzak 30:26, 70. Sam Sutherland 30:35, 75. Ayo Dada 30:48, 88. Alan Lawrenson 31:19, 101. Alex Johnston 32:35, 113. Richard Byrne 33:52, 118. Jasper Llewellyn 34:24, 135. Patrick Brennan with a sneaky finish of 37:11 ahead of 136. Matthew Peffers 37:13, and 147. Charles Tatham 40:26. There were 160 finishers.

The Liddiard Team Result (8 to score) was won easily by Serpentine Running Club for their first team win in this event with 189 points. They were thrilled with their efforts and pleased to be awarded our Queens Park Harrier medals. Second were Thames Valley Harriers with 273 points followed by London Heathside who scored 300 points. Queens Park Harriers were tenth of the ten teams with 624 points.

As the race also included the North of the Thames Cross Country Championships the individual results were the same. Most competitors contested both sections but some were only included in one race result. As a result the team results for this race were:

Six to score: 1. Serpentine Running Club - 117 points, 2. Thames Valley Harriers - 157 points, 3. Hillingdon Athletic Club - 177 points. Queens Park Harriers were 11th of the 11 teams with 371 points.

Eight to score: 1. Serpentine Running Club - 209 points, 2. Thames Valley Harriers - 311 points, 3. London Heathside - 337 points. Queens Park Harriers were 9th of 10 teams with 569 points.

Twelve to score (Middlesex Cup): 1. Serpentine Running Club - 492 points, 2. Thames Valley Harriers - 713 points, 3. London Heathside - 756 points. Queens Park Harriers were 5th of the five teams with 1178 points.

Masters (Booth Cup : 4 to score): 1. Serpentine Running Club - 47 points, 2. Ealing, Southall and Middlesex - 59 points, 3. London Heathside - 62 points. Queens Park Harriers were 9th of 9 teams with 152 points.

The ladies race was contested over a distance of three miles approximately one and a half laps of the men’s course). This was another interesting race with a fascinating contest between three Highgate Harrier ladies, who dominated the race and filled the top positions. They were well clear of the rest of the competitors by the end. The winner was Molly Renfer in 16:51, ahead of Emma Burgess in 17:24, with Yasmin Goater claiming third in 17:27.

Queens Park Harriers Ladies were lead home by Joanna Braine who was 17th in an encouraging 20:22. Claiming 46th place, Emma Jones recorded 23:18. Our other lady competitors wer 57. Louise Hinshelwood 25:08, 59. Nicola Englishby 25:33 and Alice Lestert claimed 65th place in 27:01. There were 72 finishers.

The Team result (4 to score): 1. Highgate Harriers - 44 points, 2. Serpentine Running Club - 53 points, 3. London Heathside - 59 points. Queens Park Harriers, with 155 points, were 8th of the 8 teams.

As with the men’s race some of the ladies contested only one of the races. Therefore the team results had some variation. The North of the Thames team result (4 to score) was won by Highgate Harriers with 22 points. Second came Serpentine Running Club with 60 points and London Heathside were third, scoring 66 points. Queens Park Harriers were 8th of the 9 teams with 179 points.