A HEALTHY turnout of Gala Harriers enjoyed a trip to the seaside last weekend for the second round of the Borders Winter Cross-country Series.
Whitesands near Dunbar saw blue skies overhead and a sparkling sea, with firm underfoot conditions and little to no wind at all. Another record-breaking entry of both junior and senior runners meant that the race start was delayed to allow for the newly registered runners to be processed, but the total of 220 seniors and 95 juniors is testimony to the ever-increasing popularity of this series.
Almost a third of the junior field were Harriers with excellent performances by all the youngsters, many of whom took high placings in their age categories that they will take forward into future rounds. Second across the line was Nathan Cox in 14 minutes and four seconds, while, just a handful of seconds behind the leader, was his Team Borders running mate Jack Stanners. Of the many other juniors turning out for the Harriers, Jamie Logan, Josh Abbott, Andrew Hogg, Becki Couch, Jo Arres and Cara Hogg all took first, second or third category places.
A total of 29 senior Harriers enjoyed their trip to the seaside, with Fergus Johnston leading the Gala runners home in fifth place.
Mark Bryson, Fiona Dalgleish, Jenny Forbes and Karen Maxwell all posted top-three places in their respective categories.