2nd East District League Cross Country Race – Alloa

Saturday 22nd November saw a minibus and a couple of cars full of Teviotdale Harriers head for Alloa for the 2nd East District League cross country race.

Regarded as one of the toughest courses in the country the heavy rain during the week meant some serious mud to be ploughed through. A slight change to the finish area with a tough wee uphill added in after all the mud on the course made it even more challenging.

First to run were the u11 boys and THC had 3 competitors. Twins Lewis and Calum Renwick and Harrison Hughes. Lewis was first home for the club in a time of 7.59, position 53rd, next was Calum in 8.10 position 57th, then Harrison in 8.26 position 59th. The boys were 11th team.

Next away were the u13 boys with a team made up of Fraser Clyne, Jai Patterson and Johnlee Elder. First in was Fraser Clyne in a brilliant 8th position, time 11.22, next Jai Patterson was 35th in a time of 12.38 then Johnlee Elder in 59th position, time 14.34. Team position 9th.

THC had only one girl competing on the day and that was Ishbel Inglis in the u15/u17 race. Ishbel finished 42nd in a time of 19.19.

Last junior race for THC was the u15 boys event with 2 runners for the club. Coming in 32nd was Jamie Waugh in 16.52 then Joseph Tottman 41st in 18.48.

The senior ladies were up next on their 2 lap route. First finisher for the club was Pauline MacAdam in 32.51, 67th position, then Lauren Corbett in 33.49, position 70th, next Donna Inglis in 34.49, position 75th and a very muddy-faced Anne Renwick in 35.53, position 79th. Team position 14th.

Last off were the senior men on a now seriously soft, slippery and muddy 3 laps. Rory Anderson was first home for the club in 34th position, time 34.07, then Alan Inglis 39.25, position 115th, Michael Yule 43.03, position 176th, Alan Coltman 48.57 position 233th and Paul Lockie 49.56 position 235th. Team position 17th.

Scottish Athletics reported “there was a League record turnout at the East League Cross Country event at Alloa at Saturday. The 732 finishers is a best-ever tally and proves once again the health of cross country at the moment”.

See photographs by Alex Corbett HERE.

p.s. from Lindsey – the young Harriers lads in the first picture probably didn’t realise they were standing next to a legend.  The chap in the blue/black jacket and glasses is 81 year old Martin Hyman ex-Olympic and Commonwealth runner and someone Jim and I have known for years.