Nineteen Kent AC runners lined up for the English National X-Country Champs at windy Sunderland and were rewarded with a best ever 8th place (and 6th in the 9 to score compertition), despite a driver in the Granthan area driving his vehicle into a bridge in an effort to delay our train. The course was both drier and hillier than expected, and overlooked apparently by a Greek temple. However the wind was the main problem, especially for us watchers.

For Garry Thornton, Paul Pollock and Michael Claff this was their first "National" and they all ran magnificently. Garry and Jermaine both needed to put in demanding sprint finnishes but they both won these to come in 5th & 7th respectivly. Michael Claff's run was particularly impressive after his recent injury problems. The only disappointment was that we missed comming as high as 5th by only 23 points.

Most runners with their large fan club stayed over in Sunderland on Saturday night. The Roker View pub where most stayed was a particularly happy place, as Sunderland AFC had won that afternoon.