Leeds on Saturday 05/03/1955 2 Miles (Senior Ladies)
The twenty-third Women's National Cross-Country Championships took place at Shadwell School Grounds, Shadwell, Leeds. The course was 2½ miles in length and consisted of two laps, was mainly grassland but there was a section of plough, a water jump and a ditch. Course marking has been carried out by boys from Shadwell School.
Diane Leather (Birchfield Harriers), winner for the previous two years was chasing a hat-trick and her main rivals were likely to be Ann Oliver (Gosforth Harriers) and June Bridgland (Southampton AAC).
Diane Leather was also hoping to lead her team to a third consecutive victory in the team event, however, Birchfield were beaten in the Midland championships by Small Heath Harriers.
On the day an easterly wind blew, and the ground was icy and heavy.
An exhaused competitor takes a forced rest on hands and knees in icy mud while a rival passes her
After a false start the field got away together, Diane Leather was first to show with June Bridgland, the Southern champion, her closet rival. Leather continued to increase her lead from June Bridgland and Leila Buckland. Leather won comfortably in 15:47, 30 seconds ahead of Bridgland. Bridgland finished strongly to hold off Mrs. Buckland.
Diane Leathers (Birchfield Harriers) receives the Individual Championship Trophy from Lord Mayor of Leeds (Councillor H S Vick)
The team prize went to Ilford AC with 59 points, Birchfield (82) and London Olympiades (116) were second and third. At the prize-giving afterwards medals provided by the Yorkshire Evening Post and the championship trophies were presented by the Lord Mayor of Leeds (Councillor H. S. Vick).