NATIONAL 4K CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS 2015

MUCK AT NATIONAL SHORT COURSE CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS
Last weekend, 7th November, a number of Kilmarnock Harriers took the short hop to Bellahouston Park as Glasgow hosted the annual Scottish 4K Cross Country Championships. A predominately flat 2 lap course, this was countered by torrential rain in the preceding couple of days and a mudbath awaited the hundreds of competitors who took part on the day.

First up was the ladies event and the standard of the field on show was emphasised by the race winner being none other than Laura Muir who recently finished in the top 5 at Beijing’s 1500 Metres World Championships and has real Olympic aspirations in Rio in 2016.

Sharing the course with Laura were 7 Kilmarnock girls donning the blue and white vest, and first home for the Club was Stephanie Hewitt. Stephanie was ably backed up by fellow new member Kirsteen Salisbury and club stawarts Paula Wilson and Rosemary McMillan to secure a Top 20 Team position for the Harriers.
In terrible conditions, full Killie times were –
Stephanie Hewitt 18.10, Kirsteen Salisbury 19.11, Paula Wilson 19.58, Rosemary McMillan 20.53, Kirstin Dale 21.09, Stephanie Dale 23.13, Janice Millar 27.31
Final event of the day saw the ultra competitive Senior Men’s Race and this was proven at the finishing line as a mere 10 seconds separated the Top 4, with in form Central Athlete Andrew Butchart claiming the Scottish Title by 2 seconds from his Clubmate Alastair Hay.
Showing a welcome return to form, James Wales was first Kilmarnock man past the post, with clubmate Ross Connelly finishing not too far behind and also taking some decent scalps on the day.
The duo were backed up by Connell Drummond and Tony Rodden for a top 25 Team Position and full Men Killie times were –
James Wales 14.25, Ross Connelly 14.38, Connell Drummond 15.14, Tony Rodden 16.05, Stewart McRoberts 17.32, Alex McGhee 19.11
At this very early stage, this all adds up to Paula Wilson and Ross Connelly leading this Winters Club Championships, but all this can change with many races still to come.
Next up is this week’s Kilmarnock Open Cross Country Championships and this takes place at Scott Ellis on Sunday (22nd Nov) with registration inside the Ayrshire Athletics Arena. There are races thoughout the age groups and everyone is welcome on the day.
Finally, the West Districts Cross Country Championships are at Bellahouston on December 6th and the Club deadline for the PRE ENTRY ONLY race is this Friday 20th November.
Again, this event is for throughout the age groups and you must have a current SAL number to compete. See your rep ASAP if you want to run, or for more info.

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