The new year will hopefully see Colchester Harriers Charlotte Smith back to her form that saw her win County Honours two years ago. An injury full 2011 is now behind her and Smith kicked off with a good 2nd place at the muddy 5.7 mile cross country at Martlesham Heath near Ipswich.

Smith did not want to over cook her first race back and was happy to settle for second behind Springfields June Allen who has been in excellent form this winter.  

With the winter leagues coming to an end Harriers fulfilled the fixture with a team of willing volunteers as Colchester will be aiming for Championship glory at the Essex Cross country relays in mid February.  Indeed the frist two men home for the green vests were the far from young pairing of Pete West 23 and David Wright 39 who nowadays spend most of their time coaching. Jason Bilton who if he trained more would be a real talent was 49th, with an injured Elliott Lyne 55th. Full marks to the ladies who turned up to make sure Harriers had a full team with yet another coach Toni Wilson 34, and brave 17 year old Karen Baker on her debut at this distance 48th. Fay Emmerson was also in good form in 53rd spot. Othe rmen to finish were Pat Marsh 68 , John Cooke 80, Chris Manby 82, Bill Haining 88, John Driscoll 100, Mark Baker 104, and Martin Claydon 118.

Full marks must go to Connor Price the under 17 won the junior race a day after competing in the South Of England Championships at Brighton. 

Senior results. Junior Results.