2017 London XC Champs, Parliament Hill

Cross country is back!

After months of wonderful sunshine, dry weather and grippy roads, we finally get back to the good stuff. Wet, muddy and hilly, there's nothing quite like cross country running. Although the season really started a few months ago, I've been running this year so this was the first time I got out to an event with a camera rather than a pair of spikes.

I'll admit, it wasn't the most characterful day. Grey, cold and drizzly, even the dogs were wrapped up warm. But there was some cracking racing.

Stephanie Davis of Clapham Chasers put in a strong performance to take the win from the early race leader Hannah Viner. Excellent news for London Heathside fans as the women's team took gold - welcome back, Rebecca!

In the men's race, a stonking finish from Kadar Abdullahi was too much for Paul Martelletti, while Chris Smith cruised in for fourth place while still having time to high-five a young fan on the home straight. Chapeau, sir!