Photo via Athletics Weekly

Tonbridge retain Mansfield relays men's title as Herne Hill win women's crown

Tonbridge Athletic Club secured their second consecutive victory in the senior men’s relay at the SPORTSSHOES English Cross-Country Relays, dominating the 4x5km event with a commanding team effort. The club’s runners—led by Jack Higgins and Ted Higgins—delivered standout performances, with Ted Higgins posting the fastest lap of the day at 14:32.

Despite a shaky start from Jamie MacDonald, who admitted he was the slowest member of the team, Tonbridge pulled ahead mid-race and held off challenges from Western Tempo and Cambridge & Coleridge to finish in 59:07, nearly a minute ahead of their nearest rivals. Meanwhile, Herne Hill Harriers ended Belgrave Harriers’ three-year reign in the women’s title, claiming their first victory in the event since 2020 under clear autumn skies at Berry Hill Park.

The under-20 men’s race also saw Norwich’s team edge out competitors in a tightly contested finish, with the winning margin so narrow that officials had to reset the timing tape mid-race. Ben Potrykus of Woodford Green nearly upset Tonbridge’s lead in the opening leg, clocking the second-fastest time of the day (14:36), while Jacob Cann’s late surge propelled Western Tempo into second place with a final-lap charge.

The event also highlighted standout individual performances, including Calum Johnson and Harry Wakefield from the Northern region, who both delivered strong splits despite their teams finishing outside the top three.

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