The thirty-fourth Women's Senior National Cross-Country Championships took place at Oxhey Playing Fields, Watford, Hertfordshire. The course was 3½ miles with several hills and sections of long grass.
Pam Davies (Selsonia Ladies AC) was attempting to defend her title against a record field of 470 entrants. Her most dangerous rivals were likely to be three past winners: Joyce Smith (Hampstead Harriers), Phyllis Perkins nee Green (Ilford), and Madeleine Ibbotson (Longwood), the Northern Cross-Country champion.
Jane Perry (Sheffield United Harriers) went to the front in the first half mile but faded to finish 21st. The tough course took its toll on the runners and in their pursuit of Pam Davies, Joyce Smith developed a stitch and had to drop back and Rita Lincoln (Essex Ladies AC) got into trouble and faded to finish eighth. Davies left them in her wake as she went on to win in 19:38, 250 yards clear of Smith.
Madeline Ibbotson was third with Peggy Hogan (Hampstead Harriers) fourth.
Home | 1876-1914 | 1920-1939 | 1946-1999 | 2000-present