Manx Gas Cross Country Challenge

Results by Graham Davies

Manx Harriers feature by Paul Jackson

Photos by Ian Astin

Photos by Bridget Kaneen

Photos by Dave Kneen

Left to right from another of Ian Astin's pictures at the start of the fifth round of the Manx Gas challenge: Andrew Newton, Andy Fox, Darren Gray (almost hidden), Gianni Epifani, John Halligan, Paul Clarke, Dave Collister (back of head), Ed Gumbley, Andy Bell almost hidden) and under 17 champion Ryan Fairclough.

Former track runner Gianni Epifani (183) just outsprinted winter sensation Ed Gumbley (32) for second place in the fifth round of the Manx Gas Cross Country Challenge on Sunday. Sadly it will be the last time we see the famous "Big G" grimace until next autumn as he is switching to back to cycling for the summer where he has an ambition to cover 100 miles in under 4 hours. But it looks as if he has taught Ed a thing or two on the grimace front! Ed has a busy racing schedule ahead. A week on Sunday he competes in the Blackpool Half Marathon followed by the National Cross Country two weeks later. A further two weeks later he will be lining up for the the Reading Half Marathon. The other much improved runner, Kevin Loundes, has the same racing schedule. Picture by Ian Astin.