Chiltern Harriers athlete earns England vest

Many club members will be familiar with seeing Richard Slade leading the way in Chiltern League races. But last weekend, Richard took his success to another level and represented England for the first time.

Taking part in the Cross Internacional Juan Muguerza (Elgoibar Cross Country) in Spain, Richard - who has been running with Chiltern Harriers since he was a junior - was part of a four-strong senior men's team.

Taking on the gruelling four lap course, complete with significant climbs and drops, Richard maintained a top 10 position throughout, staying close to the other England Athletes (Tomer Tarragano, Alfie Manthorpe and Jacob Cann).

The pace continued to pick up throughout and running what England Athletics described as a "fantastic last lap", Richard finished well to be the first member of the England team home, placing a very impressive 7th. This is despite him receiving a late call up to compete as he was originally named as a reserve in the team

Richard is due to race again for England in Belgium later this month.

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