Sun Always Shines on Falkirk (not always!)

Eve & Emma

At this year's National Cross Country Championships it was unusually warm which meant the course was nice and firm.  This meant rather than the usual tough slog in the mud it was fast and smooth for the athletes. However despite the lack of mud apart from the hill at the back of Callander House it still remained a tough event for all age groups from under 13s to Vets.

 

Its always hard getting the juniors to compete but today we had 5 young athletes representing the club in this crowning National event.  The roll of honour falls to Emma Hutton, Eve Lindsay, Lewis Moir, Aidian Hamilton and Max Jones.

 

This was always going to be a mental and physical test for these athletes as competing with peers from all over Scotland is a challenge that they meet and held their heads high.

 

Lewis & Aidian

The Scottish cross country season builds to this event and each district and national cross event gets longer and more difficult. Hence why you have to attend all training sessions and compete in as many cross country events in preparation.

 

The finishing times were Eve Lindsay 18:45 & Emma Hutton 18:47 for the under 13 Girls over 3.1k; Lewis Moir 13:41 & Aidian Hamilton 14:05 for under 13 Boys over 3.1k and Max Jones 17:34 over 4.1k

 

There is a range of photos the closed facebook page and thank you to all the parents for supporting their children, helping with the tent and if I have missed anyone I apologise.

 

 

Max

 

 

NATIONAL XC PREP

Frances and I are leaving EK just after 9am to set up the club tent in the usual spot which is to the right of the Callendar Park House.  The tent is black in colour. Help to put up tent would be appreciated.

Can everyone be at Callendar Park for 10am.

The athletes are:

Under 13 Girls: Emma Hutton & Eve Lindsay
Under 13 Boys: Lewis Moir & Aidian Hamilton
Under 15 Boy: Max Jones

All athletes are pre-registered and I will pick up the numbers.

The under 13 Girls race starts at 11am
The under 13 Boys race starts at 11:16am
The under 15 Boys race starts at 11:53am

Tonight - pack your bag with the clothes and food you need; and get an earlier night

On the day remember

Calderglen Harrier black & amber vest - essential. Ideally black shorts / trousers
Safety Pins for pinning your number on your vest
Layers in case its cold and waterproofs in case of wet weather (weather forecast saying sunny and dry at 12c!)
Spikes, Trail shoes or if nothing else road running shoes
Spare shoes & socks if planning to walk the course
Food & drink for after the race
If you can't make the race please let me know ASAP - my mobile is 07849 231343

All race info:
http://events.scottishathletics.org.uk/events/20713-17950-lindsays-scottishathletics-national-cross-country-championships

Remember allow plenty of time to travel, find place and park.

See you all tomorrow,
Richard

WEEKEND ROUND UP 16 /17 FEBRUARY

Rouken Glen Park Junior 2k Parkrun #104 - 17/02/19

14th, Steven Cooper, 9.17, 23rd parkrun

159 runners in field

Link to results:
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/roukenglen-juniors/results/latestresults/

NATIONAL YOUNG ATHLETES ROAD RACE CHAMPIONSHIPS

My hope is all the regular Parkrun attendees, anyone who attends the Saturday session and anyone that took part in recent races during the last 3-4 months will seriously consider this event.  If you can do a 5k parkrun and train twice a week you can do this.  This event is a development race for our Calderglen Harrier young athletes. 

This event is on Sunday 17th March at Intl Building, Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Newbridge, EH28 8NB.  Race fees as usual covered by club as it is a national event.

This is a pre-entry race and I will need names by Monday 25th February. 

On the day I have a voluntary vacancy for a Team Captain as I can't be there to collect numbers and chaperone the young athletes. The wages are poor but the joy is the reward seeing the kids taking part and being happy. Please contact me if interested.

Age Groups Explained

Under 13 born during 01/09/2005 to 31/08/2007
Under 15 born during 01/09/2003 to 31/08/2005
Under 17 born during 01/09/2001 to 31/08/2003

Both U13 races cover 3000 metres (3k)

U13 Girls declarations close at 11am and race starts at 11.30am
U13 Boys declarations close at 11.15am and race starts at 11.45am

Both U15 races cover 4000 metres (4k)
U15 Girls declarations close at 11:30am and race starts at 12pm
U15 Boys declarations close at 11:55am and race starts at 12:25pm

Both U17 races cover 5000 metres (5k)
U17 Women declarations close at 12:25pm and race starts at 12:50pm
U17 Men declarations close at 12:45pm and race starts at 1:15pm


Remember all athletes need to be registered with Scottish Athletics (see link for more info: http://www.scottishathletics.org.uk/membership/) and have a club running vest (see Richard).
 

THIS WEDNESDAY SESSION @ BRANCUMHALL

On Wednesday 6th February this week we have no access to the main hall we meet in.  It is the East Kilbride Sports Club AGM at 7.30pm and the hall has been booked to host this event.

 

So as an alternative we are holding a cross country session on the Branchumhall football pitches on Wednesday starting at 6.30pm and finishing at the earlier time of 7.30pm.

 

There is no indoor facilities so make sure your son / daughter are suitable dressed with layers they can take off if they get warm and make sure they have been to the toilet before they leave the house. Also if son /daughter have trail shoes or spikes then this might be more appropiate footwear but if not you can try in your normal running shoes.

 

Right next to the pitches is St.Leonards Primary School and I suggest you park you car in their car park and it is a short walk to the pitches.  The school address is Brancumhall, Calderwood, East Kilbride, G74 3YA. Depending on your commitments I suggest you just wait in the car for your son / daughter as it is a new location for the group.

 

I will be attending East Kilbride Sports Club AGM and the coaches at the session will be Frances Ferguson, John Mullen and Mark Saez.

 

Enjoy!

Richard

NATIONAL XC

Back in the day.......National XC 2014

The above event is the next race on the calender for the u13 and upwards age group.  It will take place on Saturday 23rd February 2019 at Callendar Park in Falkirk (postcode FK1 1YR) . Details are:

Under 13 Girls, starting at 11am, distance 3.1k

Under 13 Boys, starting at 11.16am, distance 3.1k

Under 15 Girls, starting at 11.32am, distance 4.1k

Under 15 Boys, starting at 11.53am, distance 4.1k

Under 17 Men, starting at 12.15pm, distance 6k
Under 17 Women, starting at 12.25pm, distance 6k

Under 20 Men, starting at 1:55pm, distance 7.5k
Under 20 Women, starting at 2pm, distance 7.5k

If your son or daughter want to enter please email their name and Scottish Athletics number to me on richard.lawton3@btinternet.com or reply on Facebook group page post by Monday 5th February .

Please ensure your son or daughter current Scottish Athletics membership is up to date. The club will pay individual race entry fee.

As always all entered athletes need to wear the Calderglen Harrier running vest. Our vest colours/design are declared to Scottish Athletics.   They can be bought for £12. If your son or daughter need one please see me ASAP in case we need to order your size.

KILMARNOCK XC

Steven Cooper on the start line for under 11s

Sunday saw 5 Harriers head down the A77 to Kilmarnock for Roon the Country - Kilmarnock Cross Country Festival.  The weather forecast was to be cold and dry, however arriving at the venue at 11.15am the weather was very cold and raining. At least we had the Junior's new tent to keep us dry! After registration the warm ups got underway in time for the first race due to start at 12pm. The first race was 1500m for the under 11 boys. Steven Cooper got a bit of a fright when the starter' s gun was fired. However, this didn't put him off and he went on to run a very well paced run to finish in a time of 7.24 and 11th place.


Emma Hutton



Next up was Emma Hutton in the under 13 girls. The course was well marshalled this time and the girls all got to run the correct distance. Emma showed great strength and pace throughout the race and crossed the line in a time of 16.44 and 29th place.

 

Kai & Lewis on start line

Lewis Moir and Kai Wheeler had 3200m to run in the under 13 boys race. Both under 13 boys race. oth boys started well controlling their pace. Lewis had a very steady and strong run gradually picking his way through the field to finish in 12.44 and 11th place. Kai continued to work hard until the end with a very impressive sprint finish. 

 

Max Jones

He finished in a time of 14.43 and 23rd place.  Finally, it was the turn of Max Jones to make his way to the start line.  Max in the under 15 boys had to run 4400m. Max started well and began overtaking a number of other runners at various sections of the course to finish in 9th place in a time of 19.07. The new route was not as muddy as before however, still a tough course.

 

Well done to everyone who ran on Sunday.  This was great preparation for the National XC at Falkirk in February.  Keep up all your hard work as it's great to see you all out there giving your all for the Club! 

 

Thank you to Frances Ferguson for the report and being team captain on the day supporting the junior Harriers. Thank you to all the parents and their family for cheering the Harriers around the course.

 

Richard