Hawick News Press Release
Hawick Pupils Shine in Teviotdale Primary Cross Country Championships

Two hundred and forty-seven Primary 6 and 7 pupils from eight schools in the Hawick area gathered in the town’s Wilton Lodge Park on Friday 19 February for the fifth annual Teviotdale Harriers Hawick Primary Cross Country Championships.

Organised jointly by the running club and Borders Sport and Leisure’s Active Schools co-ordinators, the event is designed to showcase the enjoyment of cross country running and encourage children in the area to be active as often as possible.

134 boys and 113 girls participated in the 1850m race, with specially commissioned Teviotdale Harriers gold, silver or bronze medals presented to the top placed individuals and trophies awarded to the top placed schools.

In the girls’ competition Maisie Ballantyne of Wilton Primary School took home top honours (Time – 8:43), with Sinead McHugh (Drumlanrig Primary) in second (Time 9:15) and Nicky Sutherland (Wilton Primary) in third (Time – 9:20). For the boys, Hector Patterson from Denholm Primary took first place (Tome – 7:42) with Sam Allott (Denholm Primary) in second (Time – 8:10) and Sean McMichan (Drumlanrig Primary School) in third (Time – 8:10).

Denholm Primary took home all three school trophies. The Girls’ team trophy – awarded to the fastest five girls from the same school – came courtesy of Denholm team members Connie Richards, Bailey Jamieson, Lucy Nichol, Abi Reid and Isobel McTaggart. The fastest five boys over the line from the same school were Denholm Primary’s Hector Patterson, Sam Allott, William Brodie, Robbie Amos and Samuel Parrish. Denholm Primary also picked up the overall Champion School trophy, awarded to the school with the fastest five times, regardless of boys or girls race.

Borders Sport and Leisure’s Active Schools Coordinator, Paul Scott said: “What a great morning! It was brilliant to see so many children taking part in our fifth annual championships and completing the challenging course. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved from start to finish and in particular to Teviotdale Harriers and our eight cluster schools for all their hard work once again. All of the children are invited to keep up their interest in running at the Harriers junior section which meets every Wednesday 6 – 7.15 pm at the clubroom, 15a High Street, Hawick. It would be great to see them there.”

Teviotdale Harriers President, Alan Coltman added: “It was a fantastic day for volunteers, spectators and all of the runners.”

Hawick News Report by Paul Scott, Active Schools, BSLT
Photographs to follow

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