“Man of Steel” George in World Championships

BIRCHWOOD’S “Man of Steel” George Houghton turned in fine performances when he took part in the Obstacle Course Racing World Championships.
It was a day when the weather, at Kelvendon Hatch, Essex, made it quite an achievement to complete the course, never mind win anything.
George, 16, a student at Birchwood College, was in competition with rivals from all over the world as well as with appalling weather.
A number of competitors were taken off the course with various degrees of injury and hypothermia but George battles on to complete his three races.
In his 3K race, category 13–19 years, he was placed 34th in the world and 8th in Great Britain. In the 15K he was placed 16th in the world and 9th in Great Britain.
His final race was a 7K obstacle course which he completed with his mum, Lynette who said: “We enjoyed being out there with no pressure, running and doing the obstacles together. Not all 16-year olds would be seen out with their mum, so it meant a lot to me. I am so proud of him.”
Next year the competition will be held in Vermont, so hopefully the weather may be better – and George will be working hard to qualify.