Tameside athletes to represent Greater Manchester

Six East Cheshire Harriers athletes have been chosen to represent Greater Manchester at this weekend’s Inter Counties Cross Country Championships in Nottingham. 

The event, which takes place on Saturday at Wollaton Park, sees counties from across the UK battle it out to win one of the most prestigious competitions in the cross country calendar. 

Brothers Gavin and Liam Browne will feature for Greater Manchester’s Senior Men, while Katie Kay and Hayley Simpson were chosen as representatives of the Senior Women. 

However, following an injury, Simpson will unfortunately be unable to take part. 

Maria Rooke will fly the flag for the Under 20 Women, while Jacob Shearing will be competing for the Under 13 Boys. 

The six athletes were all chosen to represent their county following stellar performances at last December’s 2024 Cross County Championships in Leigh. 

Firstly, in the Under 13 Boys race, Jacob Shearing had a terrific run to finish in seventh place, while Maria Rooke managed the same feat in the Junior Women’s race. 

Katie Kay and Hayley Simpson picked up 11th and 12th place respectively in the Senior Women’s event, while Gavin Browne raced to a brilliant seventh place, with brother Liam not far behind, who finished in 11th. 

This weekend will be 44-year-old Katie Kay’s debut in the event. 

“I’m not sure what to expect,” Kay told the Reporter ahead of the race. 

“But I love cross country, I prefer it to running on roads. 

“I love the variety of it, you never know what you’re going to get. 

“I love the hills, the mud, and it [cross country] just generally feels more relaxed than road races. 

“I was a bit surprised to be selected, but I’m so proud and excited to be taking part.” 

Another runner taking part for the first time is 17-year-old Maria Rooke. 

“I’m looking forward to it,” Rooke told the Reporter. 

“I much prefer cross country, you’re not just competing with others but you’re competing with the conditions. 

“You just can’t predict what it’s going to be like, so each race is completely different.” 

Following her selection, Maria’s coach, Martin Lewis said: 

“As Maria's coach, I am incredibly proud of her being selected to represent her county.  

“I believe it is a privilege to wear the county colours, and in Maria's case it is a deserved reward for her hard work.  

“The effort she puts in during training is an inspiration to the younger members of our group and the wider club.  

“She is running faster than ever, and I am chuffed that this has been recognised and rewarded.” 

Gavin Browne, who will be representing the senior men, is no stranger to this event, having taken part on a couple of occasions. 

“I’ve done it twice before, so I know what to expect, but I’m excited,” Browne told the Reporter. 

“It's one of the biggest races in the calendar, and there’s going to be some strong competition, but I’m looking forward to it”. 

East Cheshire Harriers Senior Coach, Glenn Piper said: 

“East Cheshire Harriers are proud to have four seniors selected for the prestigious Inter Counties cross country race.  

“Hayley Simpson was running really well but unfortunately is just coming back from injury so can't make it.  

“Katie Kay is improving with age and all her hard work and dedication is certainly paying off.  

“She came late to the sport and is always keen to try new things to improve.  

“She shows that anything is possible, and she is an inspiration to many other runners. 

“The Browne brothers (Gavin and Liam) have been members of East Cheshire Harriers for about 20 years, and they are still turning out excellent performances.  

“Their enthusiasm and dedication are an example to us all.  “To gain a county vest is a fantastic achievement and a reward for all the years of hard effort.”