Cheltenham on Saturday 02/03/1946 (Senior Ladies)

The fourteenth Women's National Cross-Country Championships took place at Woodlands, The Park, Cheltenham. The course was 2½ miles and the race started and finished on the Technical College playing field, and spectators could view the whole way from Woodlands Bridge.

The individual race was expected to result in another duel between Miss Pat Sandall (Birchfield Harriers), the Midland champion, and Miss Ruby Wright (St. Gregory's AC) as only 1 sec. divided them in the Midland Championships. Miss Wright said that recently she had to ease up in training because of a cold, but she hoped to give a good account of herself.

Birchfield Harriers were favourites for the team race. But anything might happen, for Atalanta were only two points behind Birchfield in the Midland event. Spartan Ladies AC were an unknown quantity, the South did not hold a cross-country championship that season. The local team, St. Gregory's, were hoping to run well, although they were below their usual strength because of injuries and illness.

Miss Pat Sandall (Birchfield H.), who had won every race she had taken part in that season, won the individual race in 17 min. 1 sec. just 3 seconds ahead of Miss Ruby Wright. Third place went to Miss J Heath (Small Heath Harriers).

The team event was won by Birchfield Harriers who had four in the first twelve to total 30 points, counters for Birchfield were Miss Pat Sandall (1st), B Harris (7th), B Baldero (10th) and M Bartleet (12th).

Local club St. Gregory's A.C. were second just 5 points adrift. Small Heath Harriers picked up bronze medals.