Saturday 18^th January 2020 saw the Teviotdale Harriers head for Livingston, a regular venue on the cross-country circuit to compete in East District League Race 3.  Young Irvine Welsh was first to compete as our only competitor in the U13 Boys Category.  On a one long lap course of 3,200 metres, Irvine handled himself well and gave, as always, a gutsy and determined performance to finish   in 12^th position in a time of 12:11. 

Next, unusually, the order differs here, were the senior ladies and Kirsty Hughes took on the mantle of representing her club in her 2 large lap course covering 6,400 metres.  Kirsty at this point was on Day 18 of her RED January – Run Every Day in January challenge and took it all in her stride to finish in a time of 32:56, 106^th position.

  The U15 boys were next on their one short, one long course of 4,000 metres.  The course was churning up at this point and there were a few slips and falls on some of the tight corners.  Conan Harper crossed 1^st for the harriers, a fantastic 5^th overall in a time of 14:25, Calum Renwick completed in 25^th position with a time of 15:47, Robbie Welsh was close on his heels in 31^st position, time 16:04 and completing the 4 was Langholm’s own Robert Wood in 18:05, 46th.  These results concluded in the boys securing 5^th team overall.  Well done boys! 

Kirsty’s daughter Ava Hughes alongside fellow Harrier and training partner Maisie Ballantyne were next on the line in the combined U15/U17 girls category.  Covering the same distance as the boys, jostling around the tight bends and muddy corners, both girls gave their all, Maisie competing as an U17 was home first in 26th position overall, her time was 17:48.  Analysing the results and looking at the U17 category only revealed Maisie was placed a fabulous 5^th,.   Ava, running as an U15 finished well in 36^th position overall, 29^th in U15 only category in her time of 19:03.  Well done girls! 

Last race of the day was the senior mens race covering 3 long laps, 9600 metres.  Thanks to the arrival of Derek Ballantyne, arriving after work to watch daughter Maisie compete, and with running gear in tow, the men now had a full team.   This 368 field of senior men was quite spectacular to watch as they snaked round past the tented village and up the hill to disappear into the woods.  Rory Anderson was first harrier across the line in 34.31, 42^nd position, Greg Walker was next in 35.50, 60^th position, his dad Alister (Sammy) Walker finished in 37.20, 82^nd position then Alan Inglis 42:03, 168^th position, Derek (Degsy) Scott was next in with a time of 45:01, 208^th position and completing the team, Derek Ballantyne in 47:00, 226th position, placing the men 19^th team.  A good day out!

The next Scottish Event for the Harriers is the Scottish XC Nationals on the 22nd February at Falkirk. The club are looking to take a 30seat coach with runners and supporters welcome. Anyone interested please speak with a member of the committee.