Hercules Wimbledon AC round-up: Impressive win at London Cross Country Championships

Hercules Wimbledon were the capital’s finest this weekend as their senior men were impressive winners of the London Cross-Country Championships at Parliament Hill, writes George Mallett.

All four Hercules runners were home in the top-25 with three in the top seven, meaning they took the title from runners-up London Heathside.

The annual event sees some of the city’s best runners descend on Hampstead Heath for three big and one small laps of mud, grass and hills.

Andrew Penney led the side home in fifth, continuing his consistent 2022 form.

Although disappointed with his individual position he will have been buoyed by the yellow-and-red vests behind him.

Cross country captain Fred Slemeck finished sixth, continuing to build in to what looks like an exciting season.

Ensuring a trio of Hercules runners, Ed Mallett put in a big finish over the last 500 metres of the 10.5k course to overhaul Chris Thomas of Thames Valley Harriers for seventh.

Consistency up front was matched by consistent running behind, Finn Johnson just over one minute behind in 22nd.

Johnson made his return after three years to one of cross country’s most fabled venues taking knowledge from plenty of visits before. He said: “You won’t win the race on the first hill and need to ensure you don’t get carried away on the first lap. The following three are daunting enough to break you mentally and you need to concentrate for the entire race.”

Johnson’s battle behind was essential to Hercules’ win, himself have a fitting tussle with Thames Hare & Hound runner James Hoad, a man he is used to racing in the Surrey League. Johnson said: “He got me today, but this mini battle back in the 20s kept me focused throughout the race. ”

It proved important as Johnson’s low score forced London Heathside into second with Thames Hare & Hounds in third.

While exact results are still yet to be published, it is a first win for Hercules in the event in recent history and marks a good couple of weeks for the club.

Last week they regained the lead in the Surrey Cross Country League Division One and will now look forward to a winter of solid training before returning for the Surrey Cross Country Championships in the new year.