In a paddock straddling Leicestershire and Derbyshire, one of the most stirring sights in running occurred on Saturday – and, for yet another year, barely anyone noticed.

If there is a more exhilarating moment to be a runner than the massed start of the English National Cross Country Championships, I am not aware of it. Neither is Jason Henderson, editor of Athletics Weekly, who told me “there’s nothing quite like it” – and he should know.