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Acting Chief Inspector Andy Naylor took out the 2000 Force Cross Country Championships on December 4 with a last-minute lunge for the line, fighting off a fierce attack from old rival Police Constable Ching Ying-wai.
Flashing into view at the top of the last tee, barely 19 minutes after the start, the pair sprinted 150 meters, neck and neck, for the finish line with Naylor's climactic lunge clinching his victory and a new course Men's open record with 19'42", some 10 seconds faster.
The boys were among the 270 runners competing on Fanling Golf Club's first fairway. The six-kilometre course, shortened two years ago by cutting out a bottle-necked section, comprised mostly grass running over the undulating golf course, 500 metres of sandy and dusty horse-riding track, and a short concrete path and steps.
Whilst the day was overcast, it remained dry and pleasantly cool - perfect running conditions. The Police Tactical Unit and their specialist formations fielded strong teams and were clearly out to win the major trophies.
First runners home were the ladies, running a shortened course. Woman PC Chung Pui-shan raced the last 100 meters with Ag Sergeant Ho Kit-ying, just beating her to the line in 15'19". Just a second later veteran athlete Chan Sui-yi of Central Division came in a comfortable third.
Continuing what turned out to be a PTU rout, SGT Wong Wing-kuen, PC Chan Man-for, SGT Poon Fok-chiu and SGT Leung Yat followed in quick succession. And also in the honours list was senior category star SGT Chow Chi-keung. For the veterans it was Senior PC Ko Fuk-ming who just beat close rival Station SGT Lo Wai-keung.
With 10 runners in the first 15 home, PTU took the men's open trophy, plus most of the remaining silverware. It was good to see a strong showing from Districts and non-specialist formations.
Plans for next year include a widening of the race categories and more trophies. The Guest of Honour was New Territories North Regional Commander Ng Wai-kit.
 Full field: Ching Ying-wai heads Andy Naylor as they blast from the line at Fanling |