NATALIE CRISP won Ilford AC s Boxing Day handicap race. She sprinted across the line after completing the 3.3-mile cross country course. Closely behind her was her father Neil, who started the race four minutes after his daughter. The fastest performance

NATALIE CRISP won Ilford AC's Boxing Day handicap race.

She sprinted across the line after completing the 3.3-mile cross country course.

Closely behind her was her father Neil, who started the race four minutes after his daughter. The fastest performance time of 21.59 was recorded by Iain MacDonald in the scratch man start, who finished third.

Club president Les Hislop reached the finish line in 35.35 for 10th place, while Meredith Floate (seventh) registered a time of 39.52.

Ilford AC made up the majority of the 23 runners, who participated on the same Hainault Forest course in the club's 10-mile Cross Country Open and Club Championships.

Woodford Green with Essex Ladies, Barking Roadrunners, Victoria Park Harriers, and Havering 90 gave impressive performances, but Ilford did not waste any time securing the top finishing places.

A three-lap effort through the perils of snow and icy conditions were rewarding to Malcolm Muir (first), Iain MacDonald (second), and Kevin Newell (third).

The first veteran home was Terry Knightley (fourth, 68.08), who quickly followed Newell in 68.01.

The placement of Ben Jones (eighth), Darren Bottrill (ninth) and Andy Catton (10th) rounded out the finish line's top 10.

Bree Nordin was the first Ilford woman home and the second woman overall, finishing in 15th place.

Other Ilford finishers were Matt Maple (14th), Mel Jones (17th), Martin Clarke (18th), Sally Gilliam (20th), Graham Williams (21st), and Jo Bushell (23rd).

Competing at the Lee Valley Centre youngsters from the Ilford Rascals, aged eight to 11 participated in a Minithon.

The events consisted of long jump, 60m, 200m, 600m, and turbo javelin.

Mia Thomas, Olivia Thomas, Chantel Hussey, Tyrone Hussey, Rohey Jobe, Chika Nwosu, Emile Bellot, Amber Bellot, Cheyenne St Lewis, Canaan St Lewis, Jazmin Whitehead and Molly Rellis received points with each completed performance.

n ON Saturday Ilford AC will attend the Essex Cross Country League's fifth race, hosted by Colchester.