Sutton Coldfield on Saturday 06/03/1948 3 Miles (Senior Ladies)

The sixteenth Women's National Cross-Country Championship took place at Walmley Cricket Ground, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham. The race was held over a two-and-three-quarter mile course consisting of two laps.

Last year's winner Miss Ruby Wright (St. Gregory's AC) was favourite for individual title and Birchfield Harriers are expected to defend their team title.

The girls were waved off by the Mayor of Sutton Coldfield. After two miles, 17-year-old Ivy Kibbler (Birchfield Harriers) was sharing the lead with Joyce Heath (Small Heath Harriers). Ruby Wright (St. Gregory's AC) was some ten yards behind, closely followed by the National Junior champion, I. Garritt (Ilford AC). Miss Kibbler discounted any attempt to deprive her of the lead in the second circuit, but Mrs. Heath had to give way to the Ilford girl, and it seemed that this would be the finishing order. Ruby Wright, however, put in a terrific spurt with 150 yards to go. She caught and passed Mrs. Heath, and then satisfactorily disposed of Miss Garritt, but Ivy Kibbler was just out of reach and Kibbler crossed the line two seconds ahead of the outgoing champion.

Birchfield Harriers won the team event with four in the first thirteen, this gave them a 15-point victory over Birmingham Atalanta AC with Small Heath Harriers third. Birchfield's counters were Ivy Kibbler (1st), S Sandall (7th), D Baldero (8th) and M E Bartleet (13th).