New Town Park, Runcorn on Saturday 24/02/1979 (Junior Girls)

The Junior Girl's National Cross-Country Championships took place in New Town Park, Runcorn, this was the first time the 'National' had been run in Cheshire. The testing course consisted of fast grassland stretches and heavy mud.

At the halfway mark Northern champion Paula Matheson (Sale Harriers) led by 20 meters from the chasing pack. With half a mile to run Kay Barringham (Hallamshire Harriers) managed to close the gap. Matheson fought back and went on to win by two seconds. Barringham and Kate Fairbrass (Reading AC) crossed the finish line together with Fairbass being given the decision.

In the team race Matheson's club took gold with silver going to Stevenage & North Herts AC and bronze to Leeds City AC.