National Cross Country - Callendar Park

Harriers young and old(ish) were out in force at the Scottish National Cross Country Championships at Callendar Park, Falkirk on Saturday. Despite the recent prolonged snow cover, the course was in excellent condition, firm under foot with only a few muddy bits here and there, just the way we like it. A strong wind on the exposed back section of the course was the only downside.

The youngsters were first off with several Harriers in the U13 boys' race. First home was Ross Barrie in 15:11 (90th position) followed closely by Ian Rae (Jnr) in 15:38 (102). Alastair Crawford (16:58) and Ross Paterson (17:25) completed the Calderglen team.

In the U15 boys race, Ewan Murray was our star performer, actually challenging for the lead early on before fading to a still very respectable 35th position in a time of 15:05. Rapidly improving team mate Richard Campbell was 66th in 16:24.

A team of 3 lined up for the Senior Ladies 8km race. Sandra Reid and Mary Goldsmith (photo left) battled closely for the first lap of the two lap course. However Sandra twisted her ankle early on in the second lap and could not continue. Mary kept the pace going and had probably her best National to date, finishing in 38:30 and 104th position, in the process taking the lead in the Calderglen Grand Prix. Dawn Buchanan had to be persuaded to run but seemed to be enjoying herself once she got going, running strongly to the finish in 42:17.

A large Calderglen men's team joined the biggest field of the day with well over 400 runners lining up for the cavalry charge towards the first hill of the 3 lap, 12km course. Making his last outing (at least for now) in a Calderglen vest, Stuart Gibson ran impressively for 2 and half laps before losing a shoe in the bottom of a muddy ditch. Undeterred, Stuart carried on "Brian Whittle" style for the remaining mile with only one shoe to finish 59th in 41:47.

In his last race (and last day) as a senior, Jamie McMonagle was going well for half a lap before a hamstring injury picked up in the gym through the week kicked in and brought him to a stop in the same ditch that claimed Stuart's shoe. A race long battle ensued between Alan Cullie, Scot Hill and Eddie Reid, (photo top right) swapping positions throughout the race. On the last lap, Scot edged away on the final straight to finish in 48:33 (210th) with Alan just behind in 48:42 (218th). Eddie left his impression on the course, his feet sliding from under him on the final corner as he was building for a blistering finish that would surely have taken him past everyone (his words). To his credit he bounced back to his feet relatively quickly to finish in 48:50 and 220th position.

Ian Rae (snr) was his usual cheerful self throughout the race, finishing in 50:24 (261st). Jim Holmes is used to tight battles with his team mates but today he found himself in relatively clear air finishing in 52:01 (296th), a minute clear of regular rival David Herbertson (53:03 and 322nd). Benny Rooney continued his re-introduction to racing, 13 years after his last outing on this same course to finish in 56:14 (364th). David Searil and Chas Steven swapped positions during the race, David's marathon training eventually pulling him clear to finish in 1:03:56 with Chas finishing in 1:06:06. The first 6 Harriers were counters in the team competition, finishing in 21st position. Eddie Reid now takes over the lead of the Grand Prix. Click here for the rest of the photos .....

At the front of the field we had one of the most exciting finishes for many years with the long-term leader T Woldemichael (Shettleston) being overhauled in the final 50m, first by Alastair Hay (Central) and then Thomas Russell (Bristol & West).