Big rise in cross-country entries

WARWICK SMITH/Manawatu Standard

WATER-LOGGED: Andrew Davenport runs through the water on his way to victory in the men's 10km race at the Manawatu cross-country championships.

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Manawatu-Wanganui cross-country championships race director Robert Dabb was pleased with a near 40 per cent increase in competitors on last year's entries.

Ninety runners, competing across 11 different categories, braved the wet and cold at Timona Park in Feilding on Saturday as they navigated their way around the 2.5km course, which included three jumps and a water crossing.

Palmerston North Athletics and Harriers Club member Andrew Davenport took out the 10km senior men's race in 38min 27.10sec ahead of Steve Stannard, of Feilding Moa.

Feilding Moa's Stephanie Dickins, who is a national 400m medallist, streaked to victory in the 5km women's 16s race in 20min 59sec.

Dabb, who finished second in the 10km masters race, said the numbers could've been even bigger had the weather not been so poor.

"I think a few looked at the weather and it stopped some, but cross-country runners expect the mud and slush."

Dabb said interest had increased across all Manawatu clubs this season, but he couldn't put his finger on why.

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