2022 NEMAA Open XC Championships

Around 150 competitors took to the undulating grasslands of the Rising Sun Country Park, Wallsend for the annual North East Masters Athletics Association Open XC championships. A number of athletes from outside the area made the journey to Tyneside including a contingent of Welsh Masters with fiery red vests and all experienced the blustery conditions on top of the hill.

Jane Hodgson (Morpeth Harriers & AC) won the women's race ahead of Kim Simpson (Gateshead Harriers & AC) with Salford Harriers, Stanley Owen taking the mens 65+.

In the mens event Jarlath McKenna (Bristol and West AC) headed Stephen Jackson (Sunderland Harriers & AC) with Konrad Franks in third.

Looking down at the start of the mens race as they wind their way up the hill at Rising Sun Country Park.

**Jarlath McKenna** (Bristol and West AC) heading back towards the highest point of the course on the opening lap.

Andrew Heppell (Gosforth Harriers & AC) taking the racing line.

**Konrad Franks** (Gateshead Harriers) battling the side winds along the ridge.

**Stephen Jackson** (Sunderland Harriers & AC) out in second place.

**Stanley Owen** (Salford Harriers) on his way to winning the Mens 65+ category.

**Fran Dembele** (South Shields Harriers) and **Becky Coleman** (North Shields Poly)

A trio of Welsh Masters charge towards the finish line.

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