Monday 25 February 2013

Scottish National Cross-country Championships, Falkirk, February 23


February 23 was the date for the Scottish National Cross-country Championships held as ever in Callendar Park in Falkirk. This event seems to be getting bigger every year, with record entries and hundreds of runners in each race. There is a full range of races for the juniors and seniors, and we had runners in the juniors boys races and senior men’s races.
 Conditions on the day were well-nigh perfect. Unlike last year, the ground was firm underfoot in most places, with only a few muddy patches to slog through, and there were no snow flurries to contend with.
5 boys did us proud in the U13 race in which there were over 150 taking part. Lewis was first Harrier home in 49th position, in a time of 14.31. Keir (94th, 15.36), Levi (110th, 61.33), Fraser (116th, 1701) and Andrew (124th, 18.18) all did well too.
In the Under 15 boys race, Sol ran a really measured and intelligent race. He stayed off the lunatic pace for the first 1/2 mile or so and then worked his way from 25th to 13th to 8th and finally came home in 7th place, in a time of 14.12 for the 4km course. Angus struggled through two very sore shoulders to the finish and then spent 10 minutes or so in the first aid tent applying ice and TLC.
 For the senior men, Patrick was first home in 139th position in a time of 46.29. Next was PhilT, in 272nd position, in 50.39. I was next in 334th position in 53.13, and Gordon completed the field in 444th position in 58.38. The race was won by Wegene Tafese from Ron Hill Cambuslang in a fine time of 38.41, and second was the familiar face of Robbie Simpson in 38.55. Apparently Robbie is Patrick’s second cousin, so we need to persuade him to come and run for us instead of Deeside. There were a total of 503 finishers. I was quite pleased with my run. Not only was a bit faster than last year, but I improved my position, as did Phil.

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