and we've had a few tough Northern XC Champs.
I doubt you know Sherdely Park St Helens, but the Northern there (in 2004 if I remember correctly) was just off the scale.
Mud, mud, mud and back then the U20 Men had to follow the senior men so I don't envy what they had to contend with.
Think of the Alton Towers National a few years back, but worse.
Many have said that the last Northern at Witton was comparable. The ground was already a bit heavy but mid way through the programme we had a 20 minute hailstorm, which the woman raced on, melted it all and mushed up the ground big time for the senior men.
I was the RO that day so didn't run, but it certainly looked a grim one.
Witton normally recovers very quick from a XC. Within 2 weeks you struggle to see the line the runners have taken. Some of the ground was still damaged after 6 months and had to be repaired.
Probably the first Northern at Knowsley Safari Park edges it for me. 6-8" of fresh snow overnight. My daughter was an U20 Fell international, a outside chance for a medal and was first up on fresh snow - she dropped out - very rare for her.
By the time the men ran, it was 12km of pure slush.
One guy ran in wellies!
Dave Norman was taken to hospital and treated for frostbite.
It was incredible seeing the winner Steve Vernon float across it as he lapped me
Originally Posted by Witton Park
and we've had a few tough Northern XC Champs.
