Giffnock North AAC Primary Schools Cross Country Races

Further to our young athletes’ success at the National Cross Country in Cumbernauld, a number of Young Calderglen Harrier athletes were out in force on the day after representing their primary schools at the annual Giffnock North AAC East Renfrewshire and EK Primary Schools Cross Country Races in Rouken Glen park.

First out on duty was Emma Lawton representing Kirktonholme ran in the girls Primary 5 race and put in outstanding performance in this 1.5K cross country course.  Emma established herself in first place as soon as the race started and maintained a good 100 metre lead to her closet rival around the whole course to win in a time of 6:33.  Second place runner’s time was 7:00 and third place recorded 7:47.

Emma clear in the lead.

Fresh after winning a silver medal in the Lanarkshire Relays, Kate Kane representing Kirktonholme ran a solid performance in the girls Primary 6 race with a time of 7:15 and helped the Kirktonholme girls achieve 4^th place in the team rankings.

Mark McKenzie, son of Ian McKenzie, was representing his school Mossneuk in the Primary 6 boys’ race along with Grant Dryburgh representing his school Blacklaw. Grant came in 6^th place (6.16) and Mark came in 9^th (6:22).  The Primary 6 boys race was the fastest race ran with 1^st place recording a time of 5:44 so well done to Grant & Mark for running at such a fast pace. Hopefully Ian can encourage Mark to come and train on a Wednesday night with the other young athletes as obviously like his Dad is good at running.

Newcomer to the Harriers, Nicole Sharpe was representing St.Kenneths in the girls Primary 7 race and produced a time of 7:05.

Last but not least Ryan McParland (representing St.Kenneths) redeemed himself this year and deservingly won the Primary 7 boys race.  Last year he slipped at the start and came in 4^th but this year he corrected this by putting in a fabulous start and performance with a winning time of 5:56.

Ryan with his class mates who together won the team prize.

Well done to all for taking part in the races and especially to Emma & Ryan for first class performances in their age group races.

With these fine performances, all the young athletes will be ready to represent the Harriers in the next race which is the LAAA Cross Country Championships at Drumpellier Park, Coatbridge on the 20^th November.

Thanks to Richard and Gerry for the comprehensive report and photos and well done to all our young athletes.

Alan