Scottish Cross Country Championships – Callendar Park, Falkirk. Saturday 25th February 2013
Nine Teviotdale Harriers made the trip to Falkirk to take part in the Scottish Cross Country Championships, held for the eighth consecutive time in historic Callendar Park. Conditions were near perfect with firm underfoot conditions and the sun even made an appearance.
The event was hosted by Falkirk Victoria Harriers who once again did a fantastic job. This was the largest field entered since 1996 with 1955 athletes listed to run. This shows the enduring popularity of cross country running and the continuing strength of club running in Scotland. The venue for the event is ideal for both competitors and spectators with many good viewpoints. Callender Park surrounds Callender House the 19th century French Renaissance style mansion house which sits on the much older 14th century tower house. Many famous historical characters are listed as visitors including Mary, Queen of Scots, Oliver Cromwell, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Queen Victoria. The grounds also contain part of the 2nd century Roman Antonine Wall.
First off for the Harriers were Jamie Waugh and David Mercer in the boys U13 race over a 3,200m course. Jamie Waugh was first home for the club in 111th position in a time of 16:40. He was closely followed in 119th position by David Mercer in a time of 17:41.
The U13 girls were next off over the same course. First home for the club was Ishbel Inglis in 71st place in a time of 16:49. Emma Grieve finished in 93rd place in a time of 17:37.
Catherine Mercer was next to compete in the girls U17 competition which was run over a 4,800m course. Catherine finished in 48th place in a time of 23:04.
In the senior ladies event it was a very closely fought battle over the 8,000m course with Beth Potter, Victoria Park-Glasgow (28:14) picking up the gold from two more GB internationals, Rosie Smith, Hunters Bog Trotters (28:20) and Susan Partridge, Victoria Park-Glasgow (28:27). Sylvia Grieve was sole Teviotdale representative and finished in 213th place in a time of 48:26.
In the final event of the day it was the turn of the senior men and it was a fine victory for Tafese Wegene from Ronhill Cambuslang in a time of 38 min 41 for the 12,000m course. He won by 14 seconds in the end from Robbie Simpson (Deeside AC) with Joe Symonds (Hunters Bog Trotters) taking third place. First home for Harriers was Craig Grieve (47:44) in 181st followed by Alan Inglis (50:52) in 280th and then Alan Coltman (1:04:48) in 490th.
By Alan Inglis