Teviotdale Harriers epitomised the term ‘family club’ on Saturday as kids followed by parents gave their all on a frozen Cross Country course at Broxburn.
A bright but chilly day set the scene for the third and final East District League Race of the season and an impressive 23 runners made their way from Hawick.
A strong group of 12 Senior Men, gave Teviotdale their highest team position in a league race for eight years, with father and son Alastair and Greg Walker in particular catching the eye. Dad Alastair was competing in his first league race for over 23 years and son Greg was first home for the club.
With the top six runners counting towards team placings, Teviotdale’s Senior Men finished 11th of the 33 teams in the three lap 8.1km race. Greg Walker (48th), Rory Anderson (73rd), Scott Watson (80th), Bruce Hughes (95th), Alastair Walker (121st) and Alan Inglis (155th) were the counters.
Alister Biggar (197th), Andrew Gibson (198th), David Bell (208th), Ged Smith (233rd), Alan Coltman (252nd) and newcomer Brian Harper (258th) competing in his first ever East District race, completed the dozen.
The first race of the day included Ava Hughes in the 1.4km under 11 girls. Starting off steadily Ava worked her way though the field before finishing 33rd.
In the 1.4km under 11 boys, Robert Wood was the sole competitor. Cheerie Robert set off grinning and responded to club mates encouragement with a double thumbs up. Obviously enjoying his run, Robert finished 74th.
The next race to feature runners from Teviotdale was the 2.7km under 13 boys. Conan Harper showed dad Brian how it’s done and raced home 13th, with teammates Thomas MacAskill (17th), Lewis Renwick (60th) and Harrison Hughes (68th). With three runners counting towards team places, the lads finished a credible 9th of the 20 teams.
It was now the turn of our Senior Women to race and all three can be proud of their efforts. Kirsty Hughes (82nd), Ann Aitken (87th) and Donna Inglis (95th) were great examples to their kids. Running determinedly around the two lap 5.4km course the marvellous mums placed 17th of the 30 teams.
The under 15 boys were next and Fraser Clyne ran superbly over his 4.1km course. Showing improvements every time he runs, Fraser finished a highly impressive 6th, improving on his 13th place in the previous race at Alloa.
Racing after her mum and just before her dad, Ishbel competed in the under 15 girls/under 17 women’s race. Ishbel ran strongly and should be pleased with hard earned position of 42nd.
In what is a hectic few months of running, this Saturday will see Harriers competing in the Langheugh races.