Date : 15th November 2025
Location : Leamington
Members of Cobra took part in the Midland Women’s Cross Country League race at Newbold Comyn in Leamington Spa on 15th November 2025.
This was the centenary fixture for the Birmingham League, giving the event a very special atmosphere. All divisions raced together, creating a large, vibrant, and competitive field.
With the weather during the lead-up being a bit stormy and wet, we weren’t sure what to expect. What we got was a proper cross-country course, complete with soggy grass, mud, and water hazards!
Nine runners represented Cobra on the day, all of whom finished the race. Four were taking part in a cross-country event for the first time: Elsa Newton, Debbie Luton, Margaret Brereton, and Leanne Willetts.
Catherine Smith was the first Cobra finisher, completing the course in 35:29. A standout performance came from Elsa Newton, who finished second for the club with a time of 36:35 on her very first cross-country outing. It was particularly pleasing to see how close all the runners finished, with the last club finisher completing the course in 40:36 – just 5 minutes 7 seconds after the first.
Overall, it was a fantastic team effort, with everyone supporting each other and making a memorable contribution to the centenary fixture. The celebrations didn’t end on the course, with plenty of cake and birthday festivities helping to lighten the mood and reminding everyone that, beyond the competition, it’s the camaraderie and shared experiences that make these days truly special.
| Name | Position | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Catherine Smith | 147 | 35:29 |
| Elsa Newton | 166 | 36:35 |
| Saranne Moreno | 191 | 37:28 |
| Kristina Newton | 194 | 37:33 |
| Debbie Luton | 204 | 38:34 |
| Joan Clarke | 209 | 39:09 |
| Margaret Brereton | 222 | 40:09 |
| Lorna Catana | 224 | 40:14 |
| Leanne Willetts | 230 | 40:36 |
