Despite an early morning flurry of snow and sleet, this years club Cross Country Championship took place in favourable conditions on Sunday 3rd February. A fantastic 15 Harriers lined up in blue for the usual course along the Kelvin trail, taking in 2 extended loops of Maryhill Park before heading back home. The cold recent weather resulted in the usual muddy bogs being frozen over and the ground was relatively firm throughout for a change.
This year, Craig P was out to defend his title from last year, and he surged off along the first trail section to set the pace early on. Rory and Finn both went with him initially, with the former eventually pulling ahead in the Maryhill park section. Further back, I managed to stick with Andrew for most of the race, with Finn slightly ahead without ever really being troubled for 3rd place. Alisdair put in a great shift, sticking in sight of the leading 5 initially before settling in to a comfortable 6th. Chris gave James a fright during the first lap, enough to wake him up and push on ahead. Cat and Linda had a good battle for the ladies crown, before Cat pulled ahead and set off chasing Chris down the final stretch.
Congratulations to Rory, who held off a spirited effort from Craig to take first place and continue his tremendous winning streak in his debut Harriers season. Finn was next in third, and Andrew was just too strong for me to catch in 4th. Alisdair was next in g6h ahead of James, and Chris just about pipped this years ladies champion Cat to take 8th place (Strava shows just a second between them!). Linda was 10th and 2nd lady, with Kenny doing well on his return from injury shortly behind followed by Lynsey, Heather, Margaret and Kenny “The Comeback Kid” Stevenson.
Overall a very enjoyable race, and great to see so many turn up to support this event (particularly from the ‘auld’ team!). Thanks to Mick for coming along to support and encouraging us round the course, and to Craig for helping with the course set up in the morning. Well done to both Rory and Cat, this years champions.
Final places below are a mixture of individuals watch, Strava times and best guess attempts :
1st. Rory Clark – 26.40 (estimate) – 2019 Cross Country Champion – Mens
2nd. Craig Perrie – 27.19
3rd. Finn Boyd – 29.11
4th. Andrew Stevenson – 30.30 (estimate)
5th. Scott Coulter – 30.48
6th. Alisdair Kinniburgh – 34.00 (estimate)
7th. James Prior – 35.52
8th. Chris Hever – 36.12
9th. Cat Nisbet – 36.13
10th. Linda Sinclair – 37.12
11th. Kenny Henderson – 38.26
12th. Lynsey Parker – 39.34
13th. Heather Stevenson – 40.31
14th. Margaret Peebles – 42.58
15th. Kenny Stevenson – 44.00 (estimate)
