Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Leeds Talent Hub Athletes Shine in Liverpool
The 2025 Liverpool Cross Country Championships as always, delivered another memorable day of racing. Held against the backdrop of Liverpool's familiar winter mix of crisp air, soft ground, and the occasional gust sweeping across the course, the event brought together runners from clubs, schools, and universities across the region. The course presented a classic Liverpudlian challenge, with each competitor gunning for their shot at European selection. To add to the already blistering course, overnight rain left the ground heavy, favouring the strength-based runners, but clearer skies on race day ensured excellent visibility and a vibrant atmosphere for athletes and spectators alike.
Strong Start for Leeds Beckett
Leeds Beckett started the day off how we meant to go on, with Leeds Talent Hub athletes Lizzie Wellsted and Isabel Holt rearing up the medal positions in 2nd and 3rd respectively, both in the time of 15:10 over the 4.4km course. The pair racing with trademark toughness, stuck together holding their position in the leading group over the mud heavy mid laps, responding smartly each time the pace lifted. Isabel's ability to stay composed under pressure was key, and her final surge over the closing stretch secured her place on the podium, right behind teammate Wellsted. Replicating their 2-3 finish earlier on this month at the Cardiff Cross Challenge to Liverpool winner Innes Fitzgerald.
The trio will be joined by Zara Redmond of Kilbarchan AAC, who finished fourth in a time of 15:23, as the top four automatic qualifiers and have punched their ticket to the European Cross Country Championships in Lagoa, Portugal in three weeks time. The women's U20 team will pack nicely as they fight to defend the Gold for team title.
Hughes Secures Automatic Qualification
More success came from Leeds Talent Hub's Jonson Hughes. Leeds Beckett University's Head Coach, Andrew Henderson's athlete stunned the competition finishing in 4th place, gaining himself auto selection over the 4.4km course. After a mundane and slow start to the U20 men's race, 2nd Place finisher Will Rabjohns took the pace on in the later stages, making the race a tactical sprint for home.
The Rotherham Harriers athlete, Jonson Hughes crossed the line in a time of 13:21 just three seconds off a podium place. Hughes will join Wellsted and Holt in three weeks for his debut representing Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Connell’s Breakout Performance
Rounding off the already successful day out, Beckett Alumni, Jenson Connell produced a breakout performance in the U23 men's race, securing a superb 5th place finish in one of the deepest fields of the day. While the early front pack set a fierce pace, Connell managed the race with impressive discipline, letting the race unfold before him.
After years of uncertainty battling injury, this result is argued to be much more than deserved. In the final lap, Connell showed exceptional resilience, holding off late challenges to claim his top five placing. Although he narrowly missed the automatic top four by just five seconds, his performance placed him firmly on the selectors' radar and confirmed his growing momentum at U23 level.
Article written by Journalism Student and Leadership Academy Ambassador, Holly Graham.
Photo Credit: Mark Hookway
Athletic Union
The Athletic Union is managed by the university's sports office team and is governed by the Athletic Union Executive Committee and our sports clubs' committee members. Regardless of your sports interest, the Athletic Union is here to help you have the best student sport experience during your time at Leeds Beckett.
