Shendish Park, Apsley on Saturday 08/03/1947 3 Miles (Youths)

The winter of 1946-1947 was harsh and the country experienced several cold spells and large snowdrifts which blocked roads and railways. With this in mind clubs were advised to travel early to ensure their participation in the race.

The second Youth's National Cross-Country Championship race took place over 3 miles in Shendish Park in 19th-century mill village of Apsley in the county of Hertfordshire. 160 runners braved the conditions and battled against the snow, frost, sludge and hills. Five boys of Clayton Harriers (Lancs) left Accrington at 12.30 p.m. on the Friday and did not reach London until midnight. They slept all night in a railway coach and when they arrived at Apsley at 10 a.m. they had not had breakfast .

Peter Pirie (South London Harriers) won the race in 20:24, just edging J C Green (Reading AC) by 4 seconds, third place went to L Field (Thames Valley Harriers).

In the team race Liverpool Harriers and South London Harriers tied for first place with 69 points. Third place was also tied between Reading AC and the holders Leeds Harehills Harriers on 77 points.