Following a winter of wind, rain and snow, there was relief all round as the 2020 cross country season came to an end on Sunday. 9 hardy souls took to the field for the traditional out and back route along the River Kelvin before 2 laps in Maryhill Park.
Thankfully, the weather held for the senior race and conditions would almost be described as ideal, had it not have been for the endless stream of recent rain rendering the course a boggy mess. Both Duncan and Nirmal came along to support and set us off on our way, with Finn and Andrew immediately shooting off to jostle for the early lead. Finn managed to steal the initiative upon entering Maryhill Park and never looked like relinquishing it. The park was particularly muddy this year, with most of the near side deep with puddles. Despite a valiant effort on the second lap from Andrew, Finn held on to claim this years men’s title in 29:56.
The strong start was too rich for my blood and I instead opted to nip in front of Natalie and ensure I held onto the lead as I came round for the return along the Kelvin. As expected, huge areas of this trail was completely under water so there were a few tentative leaps of faith where we had no idea how deep the puddles were. A few knee deep dunks later I emerged to finish in 32:50 followed by Natalie, who took this year’s ladies title in 35:41.
Lynsey soon followed in 38:41 with Linda and her shiny new spikes soon after. Heather ran well to see off her dad, making a triumphant return to a club race and holding off Margaret on the last lap. Some great performances in tough conditions, and we all collectively cheered the end of the XC season for another year!
1st – Finn Boyd – 29:56 (Men’s Cross Country Champion)
2nd – Andrew Stevenson – 30:21
3rd – Scott Coulter – 32:50
4th – Natalie Somerville – 35:41 (Ladies Cross Country Champion)
5th – Lynsey McLaughlin – 38:27
6th – Linda Sinclair – 40:42
7th – Heather Stevenson. – 45:36
8th – Kenny Stevenson – 46:38
9th – Margaret Peebles – 47:20
