LANARKSHIRE XC CHAMPIONSHIPS 2012

Drumpellier Park in Coatbridge was host again to this annual head to head cross country race which is an excellent preparation for the West District XC on 8th December and the National XC in Falkirk in February.  My persistence has paid off on this occasion and we had a record number of 20 Calderglen Harrier athletes who were out and all competing to high standards mixing it up with the other Lanarkshire clubs.

Even though we were outside of any medal contention there were still some strong competitive performances and good signs that athletes’ training is improving their race performance.

First to go was the Under 11 Boys with event debuts from Marc McQuade (17th, 4.11), Luca Pacitti (24th, 4.26), Chris Brady (32nd, 4.45) and Joseph Fegan (34th place, 6.36). 

The hardcore under 13 female runners were in force with Megan Anderson (12.08, 21st), Helen Anderson (12.08, 22nd), Louise Brown (12.14, 23rd), Claire McMillan (24th, 12.26) and Anna Fegan (13.12, 25th).  Well done girls!

For the u13 boys Allan Woodhouse was in good form running alongside with the Lanarkshire elite Ronhill Cambuslang Harriers and getting in between Cumbernauld runners finishing a credible 6th in 9.37.  Almost a minute down, Kevin McGurk continues his winter season racing and achieving a time of 10.40 & 17th place. Brilliant!

For the u15 boys, Harrier stalwart Drew Gordon (23rd place) only in his second race as 1st year u15 recorded a time of 16.34 in a tough field as the winning time was 11.54. Craig Stewart joined him in this race and being his second year in the u15 age group showed and he achieved a time of 14.01, (16th place), 49 second pb from last year.  Well done to Drew & Craig for continuing to do well and progressing through the age groups.  The senior Harriers are watching!

We had 2 of our under 17 runners out today. Paul Mullen was home first in 20.54, 16th place and Andrew McGurk came home in 18th place in a time of 21.32.  Great 5k times on cross country terrain.

A few of our 2nd claim runners were out competing for their 1st claim clubs today.  First up was Abbie Kirwan in the u11 girls race who came 18th with a time of 4.22 representing EKAC.  Also for the same club Jessica Hagan did the u13 girls race in 11.46, 16th overall. 

On behalf of the Calderglen Harriers, I would like to thank John Mullen for being the Team Manager on the day, all the young athletes for turning out to do the race, Linda McGurk & Barry Gordon for volunteering their services to Lanarkshire Amateur Athletic Association (LAAA) and all the supporting parents / carers for making this another successful event.