Stirling, Saturday 17^th October 2015          

The ancient royal burgh of Stirling was the venue for the first east district league race of the season. The event was held within sight of historic Airthrey Castle in the grounds of the University of Stirling. Central AC acted as hosts for the day. In recent times the club has had some success in the East District League. The senior men won the event in 86/87, 87/88 & 92/93. The U13 boys won it in 82/83, U15 boys in 93/94 & 94/95 and the U17 boys in 03/04. The U11 girls won the event in 03/04.

Over 750 runners took part in the event and they enjoyed near perfect underfoot conditions. Harriers had 16 runners taking part which included 7 juniors.

Under 11 Races

First race of the day was the under 11 girl’s race run over 1550m. Running in their first cross country race for the club was Ava Hughes. Ava ran well and gave a good account of herself finishing in 47^th place in a time of 7:20. Next race was the under 11 boy’s race over the same distance. Boyd Hughes was also running in his first cross country race for the club and performed well coming home 53^rd place in a time of 6:49.

Under 13 Races

The third race of the day was the under 13 girl’s race run over 2,400m which saw Nadine Elder running well to come home in 37^th place in a time of 12:40. The fourth race of the day was the under 13 boy’s race which saw Harrison Hughes crossing the line in 50^th place in a time of 13:19.

Sen/Jun/Masters Women

Next race for the Harriers saw Lauren Corbett, Pauline McAdam and Kirsty Hughes in action over 6,000m. Lauren Corbett finished in 77th place in a time of 29:23 followed by Pauline McAdam in 90^th place in a time of 30:51. Unfortunately Kirsty Hughes had to withdraw due to injury.

U15 Girls and U17 Women

Under 15 girls and U17 Women were off next with Carly Blaikie, Ishbel Inglis and Macy Cropper running in a combined race over 3,100m.  First home in the U15 category was Carly in 23^rd position (13:07) followed by Macy in 29^th place (14:12).  Ishbel Inglis was running in the U17 Women’s category and finished in 21st place (14:09).

Senior/Jun/Masters Men

The final race of the day took place over 9,000m and had a complete team of six Harriers taking part ranging from the young to the not so young. First home for the club was Rory Anderson in 42^nd position in a time of 32:09. Scott Watson was 115^th place in a time of 35:43 followed by Alan Inglis in 160^th place in a time of 37:45. Kyle Potts was 179^th in a time of 38:20, Ged Smith 212^th in 39:54 and Alex Corbett 219^th in 40:39. Well done to everyone who took part. Ice creams enjoyed by all on the way home courtesy of Rory.

See Alex Corbett’s photographs HERE