East Midlands XC Race 1- Bramcote Park

The 2026 East Midlands XC League got underway at Bramcote Park, with Redhill Road Runners turning out in impressive numbers for the opening fixture of the series.

This year’s course featured a slight change from previous editions, with an opening lap of the field designed to help spread the field before runners headed into the woods. The adjustment worked well, but once in the woodland section, the challenge was as familiar as ever — including the infamous steps, which once again proved a sting in the tail on each lap.

A strong field saw some excellent individual and teamperformances from Redhill.

Leading our 13 male team home was Ian Hales, finishing an outstanding 22nd in 42:19. Our Senior Men’s A Team finished 5th overall in this first race, whilst our Men’s Vet Team's secured 4th place in the A competition, 5th in the Vet Men's B competition and 4th in the Men’s Vet C Team event.

With the women’s winning time recorded at 24:55, Redhill’s leading runner Michelle Butler, delivered a fantastic run to finish 7th in 25:57, breaking into the top ten and setting the tone for the 12 members of our ladies' teams. Our Senior Ladies' A Team finished 6th overall in this first race, whilst our Ladies' Vet Team's secured 4th place in the A competition, 2nd in the Vet Ladies' B competition and 2nd in the Ladies' Vet C Team event.

With strong individual runs, excellent team packing and impressive veteran results, it was a brilliant way to open the 2026 series. We now look ahead to the next race at Holme Pierrepont, and hope to see another fantastic Redhill turnout as the cross-country season continues.

Well done to everyone who wore the Redhill vest at Bramcote Park!

East Midlands XC League – Race 1 Results

Bramcote Park – 25th January 2026

Ladies (1 lap)

1 Winning Time 24:55

7 Michelle Butler 25.57

18 Sophie Vincent 27.09

22 Hillary Foster 27.41

37 Toni Harper 29.29

40 Vivien Colette 29.45

48 Louise Lindo 30.38

52 Helen Johnson 31.08

66 Emma Stroud 34.03

70 Suzanne Newmarch 35.46

71 Joanne Stocks 36.06

75 Michelle Vallance 40.11

77 Rosemary Horn 48.56

Men (2 laps)

1 Winning Time 36:55

22 Ian Hales 42.19

27 Paul Davies 42.53

38 Alistair Campbell 45.38

44 Josh Davies 45.50

62 Wayne Stott 47.27

63 Tony Lowe 47.37

89 James Furness 51.11

111 Tim Raynor 55.49

118 Peter Gale 58.37

127 Steve Statham 67.56

128 Michael Horn 68.50

131 Mark Salter 72.57

132 Martyn Newton 73.27