AN energy-sapping new course greeted Cumbrian athletes at the Northern Cross Country championships at Harewood House, Leeds.

The new course was tough with long climbs, tufty grass and heavy mud but in-form Kendal Amateur Athletics Club runner Alasdair Russell took it all on board as he battled his way through 761 senior men's runner over two laps of the 6,000m course to an impressive 15th place - equalling the time of 41:20 set by Liverpool Harriers' Richard Burney.

Jonny Dry ran a stronger second lap to bring him up through the field for a position of 127th.

Other Cumbria clubs made their presence felt with Keswick senior men seventh team and Border Harriers tenth.

It was Kendal’s boys who proved to have the strongest teams.

The u13 boys continued their successful season with a bronze team medal. Classy running by James Bowen (12th in 11.19) and brother Harry (18th in 11.30) backed up by Ben Greenep (49th in 11.58) and Oliver Smith (74th 12.14).

Although still not feeling on top form Henry Hunter could not resist a run with his team mates (141st in 13:01).

The u15 boys faced 4,000m and Daniel Sanderson led the team in 30th in 14.59 with John Egner 54th in 15.30, Ollie Sanders 62nd in 15.35, Jacob Smith 106th in 16.13, Ben Smith 128th in 16.39 closely followed by Josh Roelants. The boys were tenth placed team.

At the bottom end of her under 17 age group, Kendal athlete Rosie Woodhams ran the 5,500m to finish 11th in 22.13 behind Olivia Mason of Border (ninth) in 21.54 and ahead of Eden Runners' Esme Davies (12th) in 22.13.

U20 man Luke Bowen, of Kendal AAC, has had a challenging year finished 56th out of 73 after a fall in the mud.

The tough course suited U13 Sarah Smith who produced a storming run to place 16th in 12.16 for the 3000m.

Just nine seconds faster would have put her in the top ten. Olesia Winder, of Leven Valley AC, was 11th in 12:09.

It was a big ask for Sophie Cowen having just turned 11 but she rose to the challenge to place a respectable 196th out of 235 runners.

The next focus for the club will be the national at Parliament Hill, London.