AYRSHIRE CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPS 2015

YOUNG AND OLD SHINE AT AYRSHIRE CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS
In extremely tough and muddy conditions, Rozelle in Ayr hosted the 2015 version of the County Cross Country Championships on Saturday (28/11/16), and as ever there were many from Kilmarnock who chose to take the short trip south to compete.
A large amount of Juniors were on show to kick of the day and in all age groups from Under 11 upwards there were many medals and excellent performances to make all the tough recent winter training under the respective coaches worthwhile.
Johny Houson (Under 13 Boys) and Iona Charles were amongst the athletes to take gold medals – and with it the title of Ayrshire Cross Country Champion – while silver was achieved by Shona McBean (who chased Iona home in the Under 17 race), Lewis Hill (Under 11 Boys), Aidan Hesset (Under 15 Boys), Ava Heron (Under 13 Girls). Brodie McGregor took bronze in the Under 11 Boys Race and Emma McMillan likewise in the Under 11 Girls, and with Tom Nichol in the Under 17 Boys also taking 3rd, this all added up to a terrific medal haul that was being achieved.
Finishing just outside the medals in 4th but with fine runs were Mhari Chalmers (Under 11 Girls) and Sam Lindsay (Under 13 Boys), and with so many others to mention, a special word goes to Eilidh Baird in her first competition, and Aidyn McMahon who ran his longest distance to date.
Last race of the day was the traditional Senior Race, and in the Ladies event Alanis Brydon was taking the step up in age group to compete at Senior Level for the first time. Alanis continued her excellent recent form to finish high up the field and showed that she could well have a good future in the coming years.
In the same race the Senior Men were in the field and although no medals were achieved there were also some decent runs behind race winner Kenny Neil of Ayr Seaforth.
Past winner Gordon Reid went with the leaders in the first lap, and although on this occasion he couldn’t hold on his 5th place finish suggests that with a good Winter he could well start to figure highly again in 2016.
First Harrier past the post however was Neil Walker in 4th, and after a long spell with injury this year has started to hit some good form and this too bodes well. Great packing by Killie included Ross Connelly (6th), Robert Lindsay (8th), Stewart McAllister and Les McDerment and all this meant that as a team, Kilmarnock took gold.
Well done to everyone involved and special thanks go to all at Ayrshire Harriers, the marshals, timekeepers, supporters and parents, as well as the athletes for putting on a great show on a horrendous day.

Full results are here – CC Champs Publication 2015

Finally, Connell Drummond of the Harriers continued to rack up some impressive races and times as he competed in the popular Glasgow Uni 5 Mile Road Race on Saturday.
Starting at Garscube Sports Complex, Connell clocked 29.52 on the undulating course, another very good run in not the greatest of conditions.

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