Perivale on Saturday 16/02/1929 (Senior Ladies)

The third Women's English National Cross-Country Championships were held at Horsenden Farm, Perivale in London. 170 entries were received for the race. After severe weather the 2¾ mile route was changed to cover as much grass as possible in an attempt to save the race from postponement, although a number of obstacles were left in.

Changing for the race took place in charabancs, saloon cars, a barn and a stable. Some wore spikes but most preferred rubber soled footwear.

Prior to the race last year's winner Miss L. D. Styles (Littlehampton AC) and Miss V Hinton (Middlesex Ladies AC) were expected to mount a strong challenge. In the team event Middlesex Ladies were strongly fancied as were London Olympiades.

The race took place under clear skies, but the frozen ground was rock hard and rutted and some snow had fallen. 103 runners assembled on the start line with some of the ladies wearing silk stockings to ward off the cold.

From after the start H. Lewis and H. Venn (both Westbury Harriers) and L. D. Styles took command of the field. Shortly after the start Miss Bevan (Gravesend Harriers), fell climbing the first iron railing and had to be taken to hospital with an injured elbow.

After the first half mile Lewis, Venn and Styles were still in the lead before disappearing out of view of the spectators. Miss Styles did not attempt to force the pace and she was joined by Hinton, this pair had broken away from the field. The Littlehampton lady, however, had the measure of her most dangerous opponent and gradually opened up a gap which enabled her to win easing down by 15 seconds in 17:16. J D Wear of Polytechnic Ladies AC was third. 99 runners finished the race and first and second places were the same as the previous year.

Hinton was compensated for her defeat by leading Middlesex AC to win a great team race, and the Polytechnic girls surprised everybody by coming home second. Third place went to Croydon Harriers.