Kate Ramsey (Barrow Runners) – ‘Super Mum’ of the UK Cross Challenge ever since she finished second in the 2005-2006 series to UK 3000m steeplechase record holder Hatti Dean – reached another personal milestone today.

She scored her first-ever North Midlands Cross Country League victory … at the age of 39. Cheered on by, among others, her second daughter four-year-old Isabella, she covered the hilly 6km parkland course around Wicksteed Park, Kettering, in 22 minutes 46 seconds to finish 28 seconds clear of the runner-up, 18-year-old Helen Rollins (Kettering Town Harriers), who is ranked third in the East Midlands Under 20 Women’s Power of 10 3000m standings for this year.

Has the surprise success persuaded Ramsey to pursue further UK Cross Challenge success at Gateshead on 10 November and Liverpool on 24 November? “I’m not sure,” says Ramsey, who has overcome serious illness. “This time last year, I thought I wouldn’t be running again. But I’ve listened to my body and done the miles when I could, though I haven’t been able to do much speed work.

“I’ve been saying ever since I was ill that I’m not aiming for anything. But it would be nice to have a good run at the British Masters’ Cross Country Championships in my last year in the W35 age group.”

Former Norwich Union Great Britain and Northern Ireland Junior cross country international Matt Bowser (Lincoln Wellington) won the Men’s 10km in 30:49, 29 seconds clear of his nearest rival, Alex Pilcher (Derby AC), an Under 23 who is ranked third in the East Midlands Senior Men’s Power of 10 3000m steeplechase standings for this year.

For full details of the North Midlands League, please check North Mids

To learn more about the UK Cross Challenge, please click on Cross Challenge

If you are aware of any highlights from this weekend’s cross country action around the UK, please email the details to UK Athletics Communications Officer Trevor Frecknall at tfrecknall@hotmail.com