Senior/U20 Race Roundup 22nd November 2022

Since our last report there has been a LOT going on – there was a lot of racing over the weekend just
gone and loads of good news to report!

For many years athletes in the West have had limited opportunities for XC beyond Christmas and the
run up to the nationals, but thanks to a team of enthusiastic volunteers we now have a West District
League in place in line with our counterparts in the North and East, with three meets planned
between now and February. The first of these three meetings was held on Saturday at Kirkland Park
in Strathaven, with a total of 7 senior/U20 Harriers putting their toe on the line. The course was a
mix of park and woodland with a lot of undulations and some wet conditions underfoot, but that did
not stop our team from posting some excellent results. In the West League the scores are based on
finishing position rather than time, so every place counts and this led to some really good battles on
the uphill finish. For the ladies, Laura Haggarty was our sole starter. However we were definitely
going for quality over quantity, as Laura finished fifth lady over the line – great running Laura! The
full finishing orders are yet to be published, but the men also had a great showing with Martin
Brown back first (not 100% sure of final placing but definitely top 10), followed by Jonathon Downey,
Alasdair Murray, Nick Carter and Stewart McAllister. Ross McNaught unfortunately had to retire mid
course whilst having a really good run, speedy recovery Ross! The next league match will be held in
Kilmarnock in January and we are hoping for a big turnout.

On Sunday, we had 3 ladies venture across to Falkirk for the Falkirk Tough Runner Half Marathon.
Lynsey O’Connor continued her excellent run of form with an outstanding HM debut of 1:29:18
which was good enough for 54 th overall and 1 st V40 lady – well done Lynsey! Next home was Lauren
Little in 1:57:31 with Susan Boyd right behind in 1:57:32 (6 th V60 lady). Great running from everyone
on what I hear was a somewhat challenging course in places.

Also on Sunday, John Speirs headed to the Borders to take part in the Tweed Valley Trail Ultra 50k
race. Never one to shy from a challenge, John faced hills, trails, fields and rogue horses (!) to
complete in 4:36:32 in 4 th overall and 1 st V40. Well done John!

Saturday’s results do not change the top of our leaderboards, however the competition is beginning
to heat up. Craig Ferguson still tops the men’s league with 49 points, but Jonathon Downey is
snapping at his heels on 46 and Jamie Nix still holds onto 3 rd with 36 points. For the ladies, Jennifer
Beattie and Amanda Bryden still hold onto the joint top spot with 39 points apiece, but Laura
Haggarty now sits with 34 points in 3 rd spot. There are still multiple opportunities to gain points –
the next counting event is the West District XC at Kilmarnock on the 3 rd of December. Entries are
now closed for this, we have a total of 23 senior/U20 athetes entered for this so it’s sure to be an
exciting day! The Turkey Trot 10k is available on EntryCentral and I will be posting information about
the Allan Scally relays in the coming weeks. Again if you think you could lend a hand on the 3 rd of
December please let us know!

You can see the current leaderboards here – winter points (1)