The thirty-fifth Women's Senior National Cross-Country Championships took place at Witton Park, Blackburn. The course consisted of two laps and was 3½ miles in length and mainly flat but had one main hill.
Pam Davies (Selsonia Ladies AC) had won the race the previous two years and was therefore seeking a hat-trick of individual National titles. Rita Lincoln (Essex Ladies AC) and Joyce Smith (Barnet & District AC) were expected to be her main challengers. Maryhill Harriers were in a similar situation with two consecutive victories in the team race.
Millie Sampson (New Zealand) looked impressive as she led throughout the first lap. Joyce Smith was her nearest competitor and Smith was followed by Pam Davies, Anne Smith (Maryhill Harriers) and Rita Lincoln.
On the second lap Joyce Smith reeled in Millie Sampson and established a clear lead. With just a quarter of a mile to go Smith's lead was 15 yards, but Pam Davies made a determined effort to close the gap. Davies caught Smith and flew past to win her third successive National trophy. Joyce Smith held on for second place, with Anne Smith (Maryhill Harriers) grabbing third place.
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