The Borders Cross Country series got under way at Lauder last Sunday and a strong contingent of Harriers made the trip.

The hugely popular seven race winter series began on a glorious but chilly day under beautiful blue Border skies. An impressive 389 runners across numerous categories tackled a true cross country course which offered a little bit of everything.

First race of the day featured seven Harriers among the field of 120 juniors and they set off on a 1.8 mile course.

Prominent from the gun, Fraser Clyne’s intentions were clear as he placed himself among the leaders during the loop of the local football pitch.

As the runners disappeared from sight to cover the remainder of the course, youngsters Conan Harper, Thomas MacAskill and Irvine Welsh had all put themselves in a competitive position.

Not far behind Robbie Welsh, Maisie Ballantyne and Ava Hughes had settled nicely into the pack.

Upon their return, Fraser sat a close second. The leaders raced down a narrow stony path and back into the park for the final 400m sprint to the finish line.

Fraser gave it his all but had to settle for second place in a time of 11:33. Although second Fraser leads his age category after the first event with the winner of the overall race in a higher age group.

Next to emerge was Conan Harper (13:12) who placed 12^th, with Thomas MacAskill (13:40) not too far behind in 19^th. Irvine Welsh (14:10) came next in 26^th with Brother Robbie (14:25) 30^th.

Maisie Ballantyne (15:20) had another impressive run and finished 50^th overall

and now sits 3^rd in her age category. Ava Hughes (17:24) still had plenty running in her legs for a final burst and crossed the line 88^th overall and 24^th girl.

Within a matter of minutes the 269 seniors were called to their marks and 11 runners from Teviotdale were soon let loose on their own 4.2 mile route.

With everything you could require in a cross country course the runners navigated tight twisting paths, before climbing out of the town, high into the countryside followed by steep descents, burn jumps and a final leg sapping churned up climb.

Re-emerging at the same point as the juniors it was Rory Anderson who led the senior Hawick charge. Rory finished a hugely credible 7^th in 28:08, followed by a 22^nd place Bruce Hughes (29:22) and Iain Williams (30:46) in 36^th.

Derek Scott (35:45) was next to finish for the Harriers in 107^th. Michael Yule (37:01) 115^th, Brian Harper (39:30) 152^nd and Paul Lockie (40:15) in 164^th completed the list of senior men.

Pauline McAdam was first senior women to return for the club placing 195^th overall in 43:03. Impressively for Pauline though was that this has left her leading her age category after the first race.

Kirsty Hughes (44:55) finished 211^th overall, which left her 61^st woman with Lisa Welsh (49:59) placing 245^th overall and 87^th woman.

Thiso completed a great turn out for the club, on a great day at an event with a great well marshalled course.

Event two in the series will take place at Dunbar on the Sunday 26^th November.