Hercules Wimbledon round-up: Athletes in action at National Cross Country Relays

Eight athletes from Hercules senior men squad took to the National Cross Country Relays in Berry Hill Park, Mansfield on Saturday, acquitting themselves well in torrential conditions, writes George Mallett.

The event sees the best clubs in England take each other on over four five-kilometre legs, with the event typically favouring clubs that have four star athletes, many of whom will be regular England internationals.

Hercules’ A team finished 25th. Henry Silverstein kicked off the proceedings finishing in 16:30 over the slightly shorter, though highly congested, opening leg, to bringing the side home in 46th place.

Charlie Wyllie continued the Hercules charge, despite feeling a calf twinge early on, which dramatically deteriorated after the race. He was the 32nd quickest on his leg (16:33) and lifted the team to 33rd.

The club reached their highest position through Archie Walton, thanks to his 16:42 clocking. That was the 18th fastest of any third leg and ensured he handed over the figurative baton in 24th place.

Alex Sutton, making his debut for the A team, acquitted himself well to secure a top-25 finish, running 17:07 for the 31st fastest of the final legs.

The B team finished 94th with Ryan McAlister running their fastest leg. His 17:17 was the 48th fastest of any second leg and temporarily lifted the team to 72nd. Chris McIlroy (18:08), Richard Jones (18:53) and James Hamilton (23:25) completed the quartet.

Jamie Bannister won the Strathaven Run with the Wind 10k in 35:10 on Saturday. The race in South Lanarkshire, Scotland sees an uphill first half with a speedy descent on the way back.

Finn Johnson was 13th in the McConnell Shield in Ballyclare, where athletes took part in almost five miles of challenging cross-country.