After the heavy rain on Thursday and the rain showers getting lighter towards race day on Saturday, we were left with near perfect conditions for the first cross country race of the winter season with a course thick of mud that couldn’t be dodged. 7 young Harriers took part to test themselves against the rest of the young athletes within the West of Scotland.
For the first leg we had 3 incomplete teams of Helen Anderson (12.47), Kate Kane (12.51) & Claire MacMillan (13.14) all running good times on a hard course and the surprise of the day was Helen being the first Harrier back in her leg and the fastest female Harrier of the day. A great run from Helen despite falling over a hidden tree stump.
Next up was the second leg runners of Megan Anderson (13.16) and Louise Brown (12.54). Megan took over from Kate and Louise from Claire. Helen was the only one in the C team and unfortunately we had no 3rd leg runners to compete fully. So come all the under 15 runners give racing a try and you might just surprise yourself that you like it!
The next race was the boys and we initially had a full team but Andrew McGurk pulled out due to straining a tendon at football practice, get better soon Andrew. However we had his younger sibling Kevin running the first leg and he managed the course in 11.39, placed 36 out 52 runners. Kevin was the fastest male Harrier of the day. For the second leg and final for the Harrier boys was Craig Stewart who is a second year u15 boy in a field of 49 runners and achieved a time of 11.51 (38th place). Well done to Craig for continuing to do well. Hopefully with the purchase of spikes we will see an even quicker time for him at the National XC in Cumbernauld.
On a personal note I feel need to mention Emma's performance. After heavy thought Emma is now running 1st claim for Giffnock North in cross country but is still very much apart of the Harriers and with the support and encouragement of the Harriers over the last 5 years have developed her running ability to which my wife & I are greatful. So even though she had a Giffnock North vest on her DNA is Harrier colours...Black & Amber with veritical strip. Emma was a 1st leg runner in the C team and achieved a time of 10.30mins, 4th place in her leg and the C team was 6th overall.
On behalf of the Calderglen Harriers, I would like to thank all the young athletes and parents for making this another successful event. For some of the young athletes this was their first time doing this event or cross country so hopefully valuable experience was gained by all which hopefully will lead us to future successes.
If you are in 11 yrs + you will be in either the u13/u15/u17/u20 age groups. We are just as good and capable as any other running club. Please think twice about competing for the Harriers – WE NEED YOU – to help complete these teams.
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