Glossop teen seals league win

Saturday March 1 saw the final event in this season’s Manchester Cross Country League, which took place at Woodbank Park in Stockport. 

Glossop athlete Nia Griffin - who has finished second in each of the past two seasons in the Under 17’s Division - went one better this time around, finishing in first place in her debut season in the Under 20’s Division. 

Nia was also part of the Derbyshire team which raced at the Inter County Cross Country Championships in Nottingham last Saturday. 

The 18-year-old, who runs for Glossop based club Start2Jog, picked up a respectable 23rd placed finish from the 144-strong field in the under 20 women’s race, finishing the cross country season in style. 

Nia’s coach, Barry Sherwood, told The Chronicle: 

“Nia’s drive and determination in training has been rewarded with the results she has achieved this winter, turning up at Pyegrove at 7am in December when it’s dark and snowing doesn’t faze Nia. 

“We’ve been coaching Nia for over two years now and she’s not missed a single training session, she is an absolute joy to coach.” 

The 18-year-old's solo performance has also rubbed off onto the Start2Jog Running Club Female Cross Country team, with the team finishing the season second in the league, which earned them promotion to Division Two next season.  

Barry added: 

“The dedication this team of female athletes have put in across the winter has been amazing to watch, training in all weathers, racing at a variety of places in the Manchester area, producing some amazing performances and some amazing running. 
 
“Cross Country running is a great way to keep your fitness up during the winter months when it’s dark and wet outside. 

“Start2Jog Running Club welcomes anybody who would like to try cross country running next season, regardless of their preferred distance or terrain. 

“The club’s focus has always been to get people out running and enjoying the physical and mental benefits of the sport.” 
 

To find out more about the club, visit their website: start2jog.co.uk