We look back at one of the most challenging English National Cross Country Championships as runners battled against brutal weather in 1972
As anticipation builds for the 2025 English Cross Country Championships, set for February 22 at Parliament Hill, it’s worth reflecting on one of the most memorable and challenging editions in the event’s long history – held 53 years ago in 1972.
That year’s race, the last to be hosted at Sutton Park (March 4), is still etched in the memories of all who participated, thanks to the brutal weather conditions that took a dramatic turn over the course of the day.
What began as tolerable winter weather quickly changed into an artic-like storm. By afternoon, the rain turned to sleet, then to snow, and the temperature plummeted, turning the course into an unforgiving battlefield.
1972 English National
While extreme weather is often part of the cross-country experience, 1972’s conditions were on an entirely different level. Runners struggled against a strong headwind and icy ground, with many needing medical attention and a trip to the hospital after finishing the race.
The officials also had to endure the hard conditions. Tragically, Tom Owen, an official from Liverpool, passed away from a heart attack while traveling home after the event.
At the time, the women’s race was held separately, a week earlier at High Wycombe. But for the men, it was a truly brutal test.
As the conditions worsened during the senior race, runners had to complete three laps of a grueling nine-mile course, and as the storm intensified, the officials’ tent became a refuge for those seeking shelter and first aid after finishing.
For those who managed to cross the finish line, the ordeal didn’t end there. They faced an additional mile-and-a-half walk to the changing rooms.
The event earned the headline: “Arctic weather turned ‘National’ into a grim survival test” in AW.
Welshman Malcolm Thomas, competing for Thames Valley Harriers, triumphed in the race, having improved on his second-place finish from the previous year. Dave Bedford, who had won the previous year, was unable to compete due to an Achilles injury and was instead a spectator.
With most runners falling at some stage during the race, even Thomas took a tumble about a mile before the finish line.
Bill Robinson of Gateshead finished second, 36 seconds behind Thomas. Robinson had previously only been ranked 23rd in the National and clearly the tough weather conditions suited him. Allan Rushmer, a three-time Commonwealth medallist rounded out the top three.
The National Cross Country Championships has a long 149-year history and the only other times the event was cancelled before 2021 was during the world wars.
Hugo Milner (Graham Smith)
However, the Covid pandemic saw the 2021 event called off and in 2024 it was postponed due to the car parks being affected by torrential rain and flooding – the first time weather had forced the cancellation. It was rescheduled for September 2024, with Niamh Brown and Hugo Milner taking the senior titles.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Championships will return to Parliament Hill on February 22. Let’s hope the weather is much more forgiving than it was during the unforgettable 1972 edition.
You can find all of our original coverage from the 1972 National Cross Country Championships via the Athletics Weekly archive.
From the first ever issue in December 1945 through to the present day, current subscribers to our magazine are able to dip into this resource for free whereas non-subscribers can pay just £3.99 per month for full access.
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