West XC

Most of the Calderglen Men's Team (note that David Herbertson was still rowing from Arran at this time)

I think everyone was desperate for a snow and ice free race today, resulting in large fields at both the ladies' and men's West District Cross Country Championship at Irvine Royal Academy. A full race report will follow when the official results are published but in the meantime enjoy these photos from Joanne and Frances. Click here for the album. Many more photos added to the album today, courtesy of Kenny Phillips and Frances. Some of the provisional results are published now here. Ladies results missing at the moment.


Perfect, firm running conditions greeted the large field of juniors through to veterans contesting the West District XC Championships. Our senior ladies were represented by Frances Maxwell and, making her first appearance at an individual cross country race, Julie Beveridge. Although Julie took an early lead, Frances came through strongly and pulled away on the second lap. Finishing times for the 6.4km course to be confirmed.

A fantastic turnout from our men in the final race of the day saw around a dozen Harriers line up in the field of 200. This race covered 3 laps of the course, totalling 9.6km. The early pace was fast as is usual for these events but the experienced heads of the Harriers were all having their own races against regular rivals and did not get carried away. Alan Derrick ran a well paced race, gradually picking off runners throughout the race to finish 48th (9th vet) in a time of 34:33. Colin Freeman hasn't raced for a while but has plenty of stamina so actually felt stronger as the race progressed, finishing in 38:30 with Eddie Reid not so far behind in 38:57. Places changed regularly amongst the next group of Harriers but in the end Ian Rae came out well on top with a time of 40:33, minutes faster than the last time he raced here. Jim Holmes (40:59) out sprinted early leader of the group Andy Henderson (41:01) resuming a regular habit of finishing close to each other. David Herbertson had allegedly rowed over from Arran that morning due to ferry cancellations and was just in the wake of Jim and Andy, finishing in 41:03. If only he had an outboard motor! Stuart Waugh completed the group and was within sight of them with a time of 41:21. George Stewart is genuinely getting back into some consistent running form and was pleased with his time of 44:17. David Wardrope (49:53) admitted to not having done much training during the snowy weather but is now on the road back with this race under his belt. Finally Russell Couper found it hard going but was again considerably faster than his previous outing on this course, finishing in 53:17.

Well done to all and thanks to our vocal supporters, Maud and Joanne. A special congratulations to former Harrier Stuart Gibson, who finished 4th overall and 3rd senior, an incredible progression in only a few years.

Alan