Viner placed 28th out of 788 competitors in the senior women's race, while Richard Goodman was forced to pull out of the senior men's event after suffering a serious spike wound.

Viner started hard in her 8km race to gain a good position. "As always the case with the Nationals, there was a fast start, and it was a tough race”, she commented.

”In some places the going was firm, but much of the course was boggy with some deep and wide ditches to wade through. I think I chose the right strategy, even though I lost a few places towards the end."

Goodman entered his race with realistic expectations of medalling. "I was in the leading group on the first full lap when I lost a shoe in the mud," he recounted.

"I continued for another lap but was forced to take off the other shoe in order to balance my stride. Then a spectator shouted out that my ankle was bleeding and I needed to stop. I had been unaware of it, but the wound needed 12 stitches.

"I only hope that my enforced layoff proves to be a blessing in disguise."

Lia Radus, 15, and her sister Maayan, 12, had successful outings in the U15 and U13 events.

Lia helped Blackheath & Bromley secure team bronze while Maayan led the club home to team gold medals.