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Gebrselassie inspires Walker's momentous win
Wise words from some of the greatest ever long distance runners helped Hannah Walker become South of England Cross Country champion.
The 18-year-old Dacorum and Tring runner spent two months in Ethiopia at the tail end of 2009 and, having run the Great Ethiopia Run, spoke to the great Haile Gebrselassie and Paula Radcliffe at the former's post run party.
"He was a real inspiration" said Hannah of the multi-Olympic and World Championship winner.
"They both said it was all about being mentally strong and determined – you can do anything if you set your mind to it."
And Hannah took those words to heart as her promising cross country career continued to blossom on Saturday.
The U20 runner completed the 6km Parliament Hill course ahead of the chasing field to become age group champ in what was a momentous win ahead of the forthcoming National Championships.
She added: "It felt great – it was my first big championship win.
"I was covered in mud at the end but it was really good to be up on the podium."
Hannah, who still has another season in the U20s, will take on the best of the north in Leeds at the end of February in the nationals.
Joining her at Parliament Hill in London was Laura Brown, who having stepped up an age group did well to finish 61st in a field of 118 runners in the U17 women.
For the U17 men Greg Bennett also moved up an age group and ended in 164th.
Jack Quorroll also found it tough going as he finished in 224th after also going up a group from last year.
Clare Baxter, in her first season at cross country for the club, ran well to finish 141st in a field of 219 runners.
Jonty Wager-Leigh won bragging rights in the U13 boys as he was first DTAC runner home in 57th from 212 runners.
Mathew Simpson was 127th with Jake Williamson just behind in 128th.
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Weather for Hemel Hempstead
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -3 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: North east
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Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
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