NINE Teviotdale Harriers made the trip to Falkirk to take part in the Scottish Cross-country Championships, held for the eighth consecutive year in historic Callendar Park, writes Alan Inglis.
Conditions were near perfect with firm underfoot conditions and the sun even made an appearance.
The event was hosted by Falkirk Victoria Harriers, who once again did a fantastic job. This was the largest field entered since 1996 with 1,955 athletes listed to run which shows the enduring popularity of cross-country running and the continuing strength of club running in Scotland. The venue for the event was ideal for both competitors and spectators, with many good viewpoints.
First off for the Harriers were Jamie Waugh and David Mercer in the boys’ under-13 race over a 3,200m course. Waugh was first home for the club in 111th position in a time of 16 minutes and 40 seconds, closely followed in 119th position by Mercer in 17.41.
The under-13 girls were next off over the same course. First home for the club was Ishbel Inglis (71st in 16.49) while Emma Grieve finished 93rd place in 17.37.
Catherine Mercer was next to compete in the girls’ under-17 competition, run over a 4,800m course, and finished 48th in 23.04.
In the senior ladies’ event it was a very closely-fought battle over the 8km course, with Beth Potter of Victoria Park-Glasgow (28.14) picking up the gold from two more GB internationals, Rosie Smith, Hunters Bog Trotters (28.20) and Susan Partridge, Victoria Park-Glasgow (28.27). Sylvia Grieve was sole Teviotdale representative and finished in 213th place in a time of 48.26.
In the final event of the day it was the turn of the senior men and it was a fine victory for Tafese Wegene from Ronhill Cambuslang in a time of 38.41 on the 12km course. He won by 14 seconds in the end from Robbie Simpson (Deeside AC) with Joe Symonds (Hunters Bog Trotters) taking third place. First home for Harriers was Craig Grieve (181st in 47.44) followed by Alan Inglis (280th in 50.52) and then Alan Coltman (490th in 1.04.48).