HARRIERS SHINE AT GREAT WINTER RUN AND INTER DISTRICTS XC

RICHARD TAKES 5K TITLE IN THE CAPITAL AS JUNIORS EXCELL ON THE GRASS

In form Richard Mair of Kilmarnock Harriers headed to Edinburgh on Saturday to compete in the big Great Winter Run. This was to be part of a day of top class running which also included the Inter Districts Cross Country Races, and also some world class International Athletics which saw a number of Scottish Olympians including Calum Hawkins and Laura Muir, take on a star studded field from across the globe including quadruple Olympic Champion Mo Farah.

Kicking off the day however was Richard’s 5K race over an extremely tough course which took on part of the hilly Arthurs Seat, and having come second in the same race last year the Kilmarnock Harrier had high hopes.

In a field of thousands, Richard took it steady for the first half, however as the course flattened out he broke away from the second placed runner towards the lightning quick downhill finish. As TV highlights of the race were to show later, Richard cut the tape with great delight in first place and with clear daylight between himself and his rivals. His time of 16.16 on such a tough course was also a mark of some classy individual racing and a brilliant result for himself, his family, and all of his Club.

Shortly afterwards in the prestigious Inter Districts Cross Country Races, there were 3 younger Kilmarnock athletes who had gained selection on the back of some spectacular form over the first part of the Winter.

Unfortunately Jen Murray had to withdraw prior to the Under 13 Girls Race due to illness, but to be included in the starting line up was in itself a great achievement.

In the Under 13 Boys Race, Fraser Sproul showed that even at this stage of his development he has great racing tactics as he had a stormer. Taking on some of the best athletes in the Country, Fraser finished in an excellent 3^rd place and a brilliant podium position to set himself up for the rest of the year.

Recovering from a cold, Johny Houston still managed to have a great run in the Under 15 Boys Race. Johny finished a more than respectable 14^th place, and in his first year in this age group this was yet another excellent result in such a high calibre event.

Well done to all concerned.