A strong performance in Race 2 of the 4 race series, at Perry Park in Birmingham has put Kenilworth Runners in with a strong chance of retaining their status in Division One of the Birmingham Cross Country league.

Club Captain Phil Gould was delighted to have a near full strength squad on duty, including Phil McCorqudale who travelled back from University in London for the crucial fixture.

The team was led home by County Half Marathon champion Rich Simkiss, his 48th place indicating just how fierce competition is at the top table of regional cross country running.

Simkiss was followed home by Stuart Hopkins, a resurgent Mike Johnson, Phil Gould, Connor Carson and Graham Birch who edged out Pat Noonan by just one place.

The performance allowed Kenilworth to climb one place in the table to 12th and Gould will hoping for a further strong showing at the next fixture, in Coventry, on 15th January 2011.