With the UK Abbey Dash meaning the runners Leeds were able to put out was depleted, the Uni teams nevertheless put in another good performance that suggests that their growth over the season will lead to a strong finish to the season.

A number of alumni members and the first race since being named British Triathlon Male Junior Triathlete of the Year for Tom Bishop helped Leeds to overcome their depleted numbers.

The fog of the preceding day thankfully cleared in time for the third race in the West Yorkshire Cross Country League series, which took place in Bramley Park just outside of Leeds on Saturday 20th November.

Unfortunately it was a diminished team that Leeds University was able to present in the competition.

Treasurer Adam Brown explained: “A lot of our runners are taking part in the Age UK Abbey Dash tomorrow, and so are giving today a miss. I’m racing tomorrow so am taking it steady, and I know Jocelyn (Payne, Women’s Race Captain) is too.”

Holmfirth’s Katie Walshaw won the Women’s race, which had a field of 83 runners, in 18 minutes and 58 seconds.

Leeds University’s first female runner was Women’s Race Captain Jocelyn Payne, who came 32nd in 22 minutes and 18 seconds, and Rebecca Jameson, in her first race for the University, was close behind with 22.36 and in 38th place.

Andrew Pearson of Longwood AC won the Men’s Race.

Tom Bishop sported his Leeds University vest in this race, pulling out third place in an impressive 32.04. Freddie Slemeck (21st) and Tom Powell (23rd) sustained a high-pressure contest between them.

Adam Brown (79th) and Rowan Temple (89th) also competed for Leeds.

With a full line-up of runners for the next race Leeds will be hoping to push on for the rest of the season and are aiming to keep improving week on week.