The one hundred and fourth English Senior Cross-Country Championships took place at Stopsley Sports Centre in Luton. This was the fourth time the race had been held as this location having hosted in 1979, 1983 and 1987. Provincial Insurance Company sponsored the race for the last time having been the sponsor since 1974.
Individually, Richard Nerurkar (Bingley Harriers) looked like a favourite to retain his title and the other fancied runners included Steve Tunstall (Preston Harriers), Northern and inter-counties champion Paul Dugdale (Horwich RMI Harriers), inter-counties runner-up Mark Hudspith (Morpeth Harriers). Two-time winner Dave Lewis (Rossendale AC) was returning from injury but only had six weeks training in his legs.
In the team race Bingley Harriers with team members Richard Nerurkar, Steve Binns, Colin Moore and Mick Hawkins had an excellent chance of lifting the Frank Wynne Cup. Tipton Harriers also had strength in depth with Ashworth Laukam and John Hartigan. Last year's winners Valli Harriers were unable to defend their title with several key runners missing namely Kevin Forster, Geoff Turnbull and Paul Cuskin. Forster recovering from a marathon, Turnbull and Cuskin recuperating after illness and injury.
The weather on the day wasn't kind to the runners as high winds hindered their progress. First to show was Sam Carey (Warrington AC) with Dugdale, Nerurkar, Martin McLoughlin (Liverpool Pembroke), Lewis, Brooks (Bingley Harriers), Tunstall, Paul Roden (East Cheshire Harriers) and Simon Mugglestone (Westbury Harriers) in close attendance. On the second lap the leading group was comprised of Nerurkar, Lewis, Mcloughlin and Tunstall.
The third and final lap saw Nerurkar made a decisive move and he drove home to superbly defend his title.
Lewis finished second just 10 seconds behind and Martin McLoughlin was third a further 8 seconds back.
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