University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester on Saturday 28/02/1981 (Intermediates)

The Intermediate Women's National Cross-Country Championships took place in Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, part of the University of Essex campus. 437 entries had been received for the race that was run on a very damp and overcast day.

Southern champion Alison Hollington (Bournemouth AC) led after half a mile with a group containing Katie Fairbrass (Reading AC), Yvonne Murray (Edinburgh AC), Lynne MacDougall (Glasgow AC), Karen Hughes (Thurrock Harriers) and Marion Witts (Essex Ladies AC). Alison Hollington was relentless and crossed the line in 14:41 a 13 second advantage over runner-up Katie Fairbrass with Yvonne Murray third.

Leeds City AC won the team race with a 6-point victory over Coventry Godiva Harriers, Thurrock Harriers picked up bronze medals.