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.

A total of 30 runners whos ages ranged from 5 to 83 years old as well as a few well wishers met on New Year’s Day to take part in the annual social run, although the weather was cold and underfoot conditions were tricky, spirits were high and everyone had a great time. At 10.30 am the ladies and mens captains (kirsty and Bruce Hughes) led the charge from the clubrooms over the James Thomson Bridge, through Wilton Lodge Park (where they were joined by Brian Gibb), up Wilton Burn and over the fields to Martin’s Bridge, they then regrouped on the Fisherman’s Walk to observe a minute’s silence in remembrance of Past Harriers sadly no longer with us. Next, a very muddy route back to Buccleuch Lane then through the park to finish at the clubrooms.

Report by Alex Corbett.

Teviotdale Harriers held their annual Menzies Race on Saturday past. A total of 43 runners lined up on this bright but chilly afternoon. First away were the youngsters and it was a Jamieson double act as siblings Iona and Glen both took 1st place in their respective races. Iona in 8.07, 2nd Ava Hughes in 8.50. Fastest actual time Iona Jamieson. Glen took his 1st place in 8.09, 2nd Harrison Hughes 8.11, 3rd Craig Watson also 8.11. Fastest actual time Conan Harper. All junior times include handicaps.

The men, women and u15/17 boys and girls then lined up together outside the park gates for their sealed handicapped competition, following a route through the park, round Martin’s Bridge and down the A7. In the U15 boys race the winner was Fraser Clyne in 17.54, 2nd Jai Patterson 21.53, 3rd Euan Welsh in 25.08. Handicap winners 1st Jai Patterson, 2nd Euan Welsh. In the U15/17 girls & ladies race victory went to Michelle Short in 20.35, 2nd Lauren Corbett 21.06, 3rd Lucy Ash 22.13. Handicap winners 1st Kirsty Hughes, 2nd Lauren Corbett, 3rd Pam Paxton.

Joining the men on their route through the park, Martin’s Bridge, Joogly Bridge, Branxholme Bridge then down the A7 to the High School was Stewart Barker on a visit back home. Stewart later tweeted his thanks and enjoyment at being associated with the club for the day. Brian Harper, dad of Conan and Andrew McEwan were also running for the first time for the club. Results were as follows, 1st Rory Anderson 25.33, 2nd Scott Watson 27.02, 3rd Andy Goodair 27.38. Handicap winners 1st Andy Goodair, 2nd Alan Coltman, 3rd Brian Gibb.

Please see Alex’s photos HERE