It’s hard to describe Bushy Park as a cross-country course. Its flat long gravel paths are a far cry from the mud at Gloucester (BUCS XC) and hills of Ally Pally. Consequently it will appeal to a different kind of runner. With mountain and fell runners in the mix for medals, Bushy could offer an advantage to those who like it flat.
It couldn’t be closer at the top of the ladies team league. Three points separate 5th from 2nd. With equal points in 5th/4th are St Mary’s and the Royal Veterinary College (1366). Brunel are in third with 1367 and Reading sit in second on 1368.
King’s College London, find themselves in the same position as last season – in first place going into the final race at Bushy. They slipped down to third last season, but a higher points difference between 1st and 2nd might help them this time around.
St Mary’s will be buoyed by a strong performance at BUCS XC. Plus, their home race typically sees a strong turn out from the Twickenham based university. But their job wont be made easy by strong teams from both Reading and Brunel.
RVC could make headlines if they manage a podium place. The UL college have punched way above their weight and now equal St Mary’s on points after Emma Dixon’s victory at Alexandra Palace.
Dixon could move into a podium place in the individual standings too. She sits in 4th, on 377 points, behind Reading’s Natalie Plummer (380). At the top, Typhaine Christiaen (LSE) will be facing off with Amy Bond (King’s) who are separated by just 4 points.
Things in the gentlemen’s championship are a little more predictable. St Mary’s have a commanding lead with 2928 points making the real battle about silver and bronze. In second are Imperial (2683) with Brunel and UCL sharing 3rd and 4th on 2460 points.
It’s tighter at the top of the gentlemen’s standings. Elliott Dorey (SMU) leads with 574, but not far behind is UCL’s Victor Mound (566) and John Cove of Brunel (561).
New clubs will be joining the league at Bushy. LUCA focus club, Essex Blades will make the trip down to compete in their first ever LCL. Race organisers are also expecting SOAS to return to the league after the UL College sent a team to BUCS XC.
