Clarke homes in for Midland success
Tessa Clarke tasted success on home soil at The Brooks Midland five and seven-mile XC championships.
Wolverhampton and Bilston AC member Clarke struck gold in the event, which was held at Aldersley Stadium, while Cannock and Stafford AC's Chris Perrin bagged silver in the men's race.
Clarke took first place in the five-mile run, after creating a minute gap between herself and her rivals from the get-go.
Second place was claimed by Coventry Godiva's Paula Richardson, while Birmingham Running and Tri's Molly Browne took third.
Browne was backed by her team-mates Helena Eastham and Daisy Wilson, which was enough for the trio to get their hands on the team prize.
The five-mile event included one lap of one-mile, followed by two larger laps of two miles. In the seven-mile event, Notts AC's Ben Livesey came home first.
The marathon runner struck gold after creating a 49-second gap from the rest of the field.
Perrin produced a fantastic finish to secure second spot.
It was a close call between Perrin and Notts AC's Alex Benfield and Rob Keal, as all three sprinted for the finishing line with Perrin coming out on top.
The championships, which were held at Aldersley Stadium, differ from other cross country championships as it provides the opportunity to create a different winner each year.
This is achieved by a ban of five years imposed on both individual and team winners.
