THERE wasn’t another rival runner in sight when Highgate Harrier Lauren Russell (pictured) made her dash for the finish line on Saturday at the Middlesex Cross-Country Championships in Greenford.

Competing in the women’s Under-20s race, Lauren made it through the mud more than two minutes quicker than her nearest rival as she completed the energy-sapping 6k course in 22 minutes, 59 seconds.

It proved a strong race day for Highgate, with Terry Fawden winning the senior men’s event, which is run over 12k, in 41:07, while clubmate Rob Wilson was third in 42:12.

Thomas Chadwick also guided Highgate to victory in the men’s Under-17s race after whizzing around the 6k course in 20:18. Felix Kent (21:18) and Liam Bailey (21:33) also both ran well to finish fifth and sixth, respectively.

Meanwhile, Highgate took silver position in the men’s Under-20s race, also run over 6k, with Monte Watson (20:36) finishing third, Lucas Porter (20:42) fourth and Jack Bailey (24.57) 23rd. Islington-based London Heathside won the age category, led home by race winner Oliver O’Connor who finished in 20:05.