Saturday the 30th of January saw 3 Harriers make the journey up to Forres for the Scottish National Masters Cross Country Championships.

Travel to this part of the country in January is always unpredictable and sure enough the forecast was for heavy snow.

Setting off from Hawick Mid Friday all was well until gaining height at Drumochter Pass brought the first snows of the journey. The roads were clear to the overnight stay in Aviemore for President Coltman.

Waking next morning had brought several inches of snow made worse by additional high winds.The breakfast in the hotel was packed with skiers disappointed the 100 mph winds had closed the nearby Cairngorm Ski Centre.

A quick check on the SAL web site showed the races were ON. The car journey to Inverness was ‘interesting’ with a lorry and a car both off the A9 due to the compact snow. However on reaching the Capital of the Highlands the countryside turned Green and all the way to Forres.

Jim Pittillo and Pauline McAdam were first up in the 6000m Ladies and Men Over 65 race.Both put in a great effort with Jim once again getting 2nd place and a Silver Medal in the Over 80 Category.It is great that in this age group there were a total of 4 runners. Well done to you all.

The second race was for Male runners under 65. This was over 8000m and like the previous race it was snow free and good underfoot conditions. However the cold biting wind from the sea had competitors well wrapped up.

After the race, teas and hot foods were provided and well received in the Town Hall. This was also the location for Jim to receive his well deserved Silver Medal.

Report and photographs by Alan Coltman.

Local legendary sprinter David Rae was on top of the podium once more at the National Indoor Masters Championships last Sunday.

Whilst most spent Valentine’s day with spouses or partners, showing the dedication it takes to achieve success in a difficult but ultimately rewarding sport, David was at the Emirates Arena Glasgow with his ‘other love,’ running.

Competing in his pristine Teviotdale Harriers vest, 42-year-old Rae sped to victory in the V40 60m category. Winning the blue ribbon event of any Indoor Championships, David burst out the blocks first and held his lead to take gold in 7.65 seconds.

David was chased hard the length of the track by Mike Tarnawsky of Dundee Hawkhill Harriers 7.68 and Craig Clark of Victoria Park City of Glasgow Athletic Club 8.01 in third.

This victory was David’s 6th National Masters medal. His 7th soon followed when he took silver in the 200m.

“I was confident in the 60m,” said David. “I had the fastest personal best of the entrants.

“The 200m was different. I was racing the V40 European Indoor Champion, so it was always going to be hard to beat him.”

Indeed so it proved to be as Mike Coogan of Northern Vets took gold with a time of 23.28 seconds. Rae raced to second in 24.33 with Tarnawsky claiming third 25.03.

Showing frustration at his 200m David said: “I made a big mistake on the bend which cost me an indoor PB.

“My fitness levels and condition are nowhere near where they need to be, so 2 medals was a great result. So room for big improvements leading into the summer hopefully.”

David added: “I would recommend the vets championships to any club member old enough. Great camaraderie and atmosphere.”

Rae is a previous outdoor 200m and 400m National Champion at the Masters level and last year won 60m silver, 200m silver and 400m bronze. A runner of great distinction, it looks as though he has much, much more left in those rapid legs.

Report by Bruce Hughes

Teviotdale Harriers held their annual Club Championships on Saturday 6th February. These championships are run on a sealed handicap with honours granted to overall winners and also handicap winners. The u11/u13 boys and girls were first to run.

Victory in the u11 boys race went to Conan Harper making him club champion in his age group. Conan was 2nd overall and his time was 5.45, Lewis Renwick was 2nd in his category in a time of 6.11, 3rd spot went to Boyd Hughes in 6.56. U11 boys handicap winner was Lewis Renwick. In the girls race Maddi Patterson crossed first making her u11 girls champion in a time of 7.02 with Hope Stewart finishing 2nd in 7.36. U11 girls handicap winner Hope Stewart.

This year’s u13 boys champion is Jai Patterson, winning in a time of 5.38, 2nd Thomas MacAskill in 5.48 having been chased hard by Sam Allott who took 3rd place but with the same time 5.48. U13 boys handicap winner Sam Allott. The u13 girls winner was Maddi Hewitt in 5.53, 2nd place Nadine Elder in 6.26 and 3rd place Sophie Allot in 6.36. U13 girls handicap winner Nadine Elder.

In the u15/17 Boys/Girls and Ladies race the champions were Fraser Clyne in 15.13 and Lauren Corbett in 18.14. 2nd place in the boys race and u15 boys handicap winner was Jamie Waugh in 15.49. 2nd place in girls/ladies section went to Ishbel Inglis in 19.12, 3rd spot Carole Allott in 19.40. Macy Cropper was handicap winner.

The senior men had 15 runners in their race. Club champion in a time of 42.00 was Rory Anderson, 2nd place Greig Walker in 42.47, and Andy Goodair 3rd in 47.03. Handicap winner Alan Coltman.

See Alex Corbett’s photographs HERE