ONE of the best moments of my career – that was the verdict of teenager Kiya Dee after her brilliant victory at the Saucony English Cross Country Championships.

Still only 15-years-old, Dee has already piled up a notable list of triumphs in her short time in the sport, but victory in the under-17 women’s race on a sodden, mudbath of a course at Wollaton Park, Nottingham, comes close to being the very best.

“I was nervous before as knew there were so many good athletes in the race,” said Dee, who was competing for Highworth Running Club.

“From the start I aimed to get to the front of the 390 strong field. Once in front I could really enjoy the wet conditions.

“I am so happy to take the gold after finishing in second last year. This is one of my best achievements along with winning the English Schools National titles in 2019 and 2017.”

Dee certainly revelled in the conditions which were described as among the toughest in recent years and ensured only the strongest and most committed runners came to the fore.

“All Kiya’s family, friends and club are all extremely proud of her strong winning performance yesterday,” said mother Diana Dee.

“It’s the race that’s she has had her sights on for this season after having to settle for silver last year.”

It was an historic occasion for Dee as she became the first member of Highworth Running Club to win this coveted title.

Swindon-based runner Ben Cole will also have good reason to remember this year’s event, held last weekend, with immense satisfaction as he helped his club Tonbridge AC to win the senior men’s team title.

Cole finished a creditable 24th from a field of almost 2,000 runners and was Tonbridge’s second man home in a close-fought contest.

“On a personal level I was very happy with my race,” said Cole.

“It wasn't my highest finishing position but I felt I ran the race strongly, and paced well, particularly in the second half and made a move through the field to pick up some points for the team.

“The team win was a big surprise as I thought that this year we would do well to medal given the strength of the other teams on paper.

“The jubilation was as big as for any of the previous two victories. I genuinely thought we might never achieve it again so that made it possibly one of the best wins.”