Parliament Hill Fields, London on Saturday 25/02/2006 12 Km (Senior Men)

The one hundred and nineteenth running of the English National Cross-Country Championships took place at Parliament Hill Fields, Hampstead Heath, London. Since first putting on the race in 1957 Parliament Hill Fields had hosted the most 'Nationals' with nine. The event was sponsored for the fourth year on the run by Saucony.

Favourites for the individual title included Northern champion Andi Jones (Salford Harriers), Southern title holder Dave Mitchinson (Newham & Essex Beagles), Frank Tickner (Wells City Harriers) the BUSA champion and twice Midland champion James Walsh (Leeds City AC).

James Walsh was also hoping to lead his new club and Northern champions Leeds City AC to the team title, Notts. AC the Midland champions were also fancied to do well as were Southern champions Bedford & County AC and Southern runners-up Newham & Essex Beagles.

Weather on the day was windy and there was plenty of mud to satisfy cross-country runners. The start was by the lido and went up Kite Hill. First to show at the top of the hill were Peter Riley (Leigh Harriers), Steve Vernon (Stockport Harriers) and Frank Tickner. After two miles Matt Watson (Bingley Harriers) had joined the lead group.

Towards the end of the first lap Riley managed to open up a gap on his rivals. After 4 miles Riley led by 100 metres on Tickner and Vernon who were 100 metres ahead of Ben Noad and Keith Cullen (Highgate Harriers) and Rob Whalley (Bristol & West AC). On the second lap Riley continued to pull away. Riley stayed at the front going on to win in 38:53, 17 seconds ahead of runner-up Frank Tickner. Steve Vernon hung on for bronze. Peter Riley told Athletics Weekly after the race "I thought if I stretched it on the downhills and pushed on the uphills it would make it harder for everyone. As soon as I hit the mud on the second lap my legs just went and I thought everyone was going to come back at me. But, it seemed everybody was going through the same thing." Frank Tickner said: "I was happy to take the silver after finishing fourth last year. I knew I was in better shape than 2005. l love mud and hills. I enjoy running here."

Leeds City AC had 6 in 56 to secure a whopping 116 point victory over Salford Harriers, James Walsh led them home in 20th place. Bronze medals went to Altrincham & District AC.