Nationals XC 2010 - Part Three - Steph Twell takes 1st Title

1 mile - Sparkes, Twell, Dean and Heslop., xman2010

STEPH TWELL who is popular in athletics with her natural charm, immediately after her National Women's cross country win at Leeds spoke to Alastair Aitken for Runners Digest.

Twell relaxed and composed. xman2010

    " I was thrilled with that "

There was no doubt it was a loaded field with talent amongst the first runners of the 543 finishers and, in the first 25 were many familiar names so, it was not surprising to see a group of five at the front, close together at the half way stage, that included last year's winner Hatti Dean.

    Twell " I felt strong. The course I had to respect and the opposition was strong. I wanted to work through as I knew  the challenge of the hill would get your heart rate up and everything; then we grouped up on the hill. I did not break away on the first lap as I wanted to see who the contenders were'

 'The part of the course where the support from the club lifted me I felt really strong and all I had to do was focus on keeping it together'

    I pointed out Southern Champion, Jess Sparke, at one stage ran quite determinedly at the head of the field in the first lap and appeared a danger. Steph Twell came back on that one straight away ' I suppose every opponent is a danger. You can never underestimate anyone else. I had to look out for everyone really as you are all in there to win.'

    I expect Steph will be looking forward to things this season?

    ' I am. I loved last season, although I know some people didn't think it was a very good one but it was as far as I was concerned.'

    Mick Woods must help her a lot with his reputation as a successful coach.

' Mick is a fabulous coach. He has put everything in place. Without Mick and his support on the course would make a difference. You hear him before you see him. That extra feeling you have going up the steep hill, knowing he is with you every step is something that helps me on and to celebrate with at the end."

    First 8:-

1 Stephanie Twell (Aldershot, Farnham & District) 27.52

2 Stevie Stockton (Vale Royal) 28.07

3 Hatti Dean (Hallamshire) 28.12

4 Faye Fullerton (Havering Maysbrook) 28.21

5 Victoria Wilkinson (Bingley) 28.31

6 Sonia Samuels (Sale) 28.31

7 Jessica Sparke (Woodford Green & Essex ladies) 28.38

8 Emma Pallant (Aldershot, Farnham & District) 28.43

Teams Charnwood 73, Aldershot 99 and Border & West 134. 

FULL RESULTS HERE