Hardwick X-Stream 2012 Results Available

Jonathan's 2011 Race Report:
As Thomas Beedell crossed the finish line to win Sunday's Hardwick X-Stream cross country race, he knew he'd been in a battle. The 24-year-old had needed every last bit of energy to fight off rivals Charlie May and Eddie O'Gorman but his gameplan ultimately paid off and the mud-splattered Chiltern Harrier duly scooped his third win at the event. The six-mile race, organised by Bearbrook Running Club and Whitchurch Cricket Club, is run in the confines of Manor House Farm in Hardwick. A record number of competitors entered this year's fixture, with Beedell beating 306 other people to reach the finish first.
"The Hardwick is billed as a proper cross country race and I'd definitely agree with that," he said at the finish. "The characteristics of the course make it a race where you really have to get stuck in and give it a good go if you want a result. There are no half measures at Hardwick."
Beedell was joined at the head of the pack by Vale of Aylesbury's Charlie May and fellow Chiltern Harrier Eddie O'Gorman a short way into the race and it was clear that these three would do battle for overall honours. But Beedell, choosing his footing carefully in the muddy conditions, managed to carve out an advantage over his rivals with a couple of miles gone and when May took a slight stumble at one of the water crossings, Beedell's attention turned to maintaining his lead. He eventually completed the course in 35m 17s, while May stopped the clocks in 35m 34s. O'Gorman, last year's winner, came home in 36m 32s.
Beedell said: "I've been competing here since I came with my dad as a junior so I know the course well. Charlie and Eddie pushed me very hard but luckily I had enough of a lead when I started to get tired near the end." In the race for the women's crown, Connie MacMillan of Banbury Harriers was untouchable and cruised to a resounding victory. She reached the finish line in 32nd place overall and stopped the clocks on 43m 35s. Her nearest challenger was MG Spalton of Belgrave who finished in 44m 32s, while Tring Running Club's Sarah Hill completed the top three almost two minutes further back in 59th place.
Away from the race for overall victory, there were lots of other battles for the spoils in the age categories. Terry Fowler was the fastest Male Vet 40 in 38m 18s, Tring's Kevin Harding won the Male Vet 50 category in 41m 04s, while Kelvin Smith scooped the Male Vet 60 award with his time of 44m 55s. The men's team title went to Chiltern Harriers. Bearbrook's very own Debbie Channer won the Female Vet 35 category in 50m 20s, while Maryvonne Hassall sealed the Female Vet 45 title in 48m 41s and Hilary O'Shea took the Female Vet 55 crown in 1h 00m 59s. The Ladies team crown was won by Tring Running Club.