SCORES of athletes flocked to Basildon for the final fixture of the Essex Cross Country League season.

Competitors were put through their paces on a new course.

And Basildon Athletics Club chairman Steve Reynolds was full of praise for the runners.

Reynolds said: “For the first time in many years, a new course was plotted out. We have used the old plan for decades but it was felt that we could make a new layout to offer a better challenge.

“Basildon team managers Nick and Mandy Wetheridge spent many hours working out the new scheme and I’m glad to say it was met with universal approval and provided an excellent day of sport.”

The club enjoyed success on home turf, with plenty of members earning medals for their efforts.

The under-13 boys and girls took third place in the team league positions.

Freya Seymour finished in the runners-up slot, with Francesca Turner and Millie Costin both in the top 20.

Harrison Thorpe made the top 10, with Jack Edwards also fairing well.

The under-15 boys came away with first place and claimed the league trophy.

Luke Meridew and Jamie Rashbrook were in second and third place respectively, while the under-15 girls also won the first place crown.

As a result, the youngsters have won every team event this season at both local and county level.

Megan Harris rounded off an incredible season by triumphing and winning the overall silver trophy, while Sophie Wetheridge finished fifth overall.

Madison Harris, Daizy Harris and Isabel Judd also impressed.

The under-17 women claimed joint team silver, with Beth Ashley and Abby Rex coming in the league top 10.

Luke Savage, Matthew Houchell, George Hill and George Applewhite all managed top 20 positions and secured the under-17 men’s team the third prize.

Under-20 and senior competitors Brandon Thorpe and Charlotte Bishop were third overall, with the latter also forming part of the victorious women’s team which bagged the top trophy to add to their recent county win.

The veteran women were in the runners-up position, with Rachel Wiseman winning the overall gold.

Louise Douglas and Mandy Wetheridge both finished in the top 10.

And team manager Nick Wetheridge was pleased with his squad’s success.

He said: “It was another great day of results at both individual and team level.

“We were really pleased that everyone enjoyed the new course and, although the League is finished, we still have some great challenges left this season.

“We have the National Championship soon, so we will keep on pushing and training our athletes to make sure we are ready.”