Relay Season Kicks off in Hamilton

CROSS COUNTRY SEASON KICKS OFF IN HAMILTON

The second weekend in October saw a fairly large amount of Senior Kilmarnock Harriers head the short trip to Hamilton where the West District Cross Country Relays took place – traditionally the first annual gathering of the season for a number of athletes.

Held at Hamilton Racecourse for the first time since 1968, the course was fairly flat with some testing undulations thrown in, and it was slightly strange for the runners to pass furlong markers as opposed to mile or kilometres.

The ladies teams consisted of 3 athletes running approximately 4000 metres per leg, and Kilmarnock fielded 2 teams, from within lied the experience of former National Cross Country runner up Lindsay McMahon, and debutants Kirstin Dale and Janice Miller who were eagerly awaiting testing themselves on the grass after pb’s over 10K at Glasgow last Sunday.

Captain Kara Tait was on first leg duty for the A Team, and soon found herself fighting for 3^rd place for the team not too far off the leading duo. Coming home strongly Kara handed over in 3^rd, firstly to sister Colleen and then to anchor lady Lindsay who, despite a fall in the home straight, brought the team home in a fine 7^th which at District Level was a very decent result. Kara was also 4^th fastest female on the day, so just reward for all her recent hard training.

The experience of Paula Wilson was chosen to take the lead for the B Team, and having her usual strong race she handed over to the fore mentioned first timers Kirstin and Janice who brought the team home, again in a decent position so well done to both in fine debuts.

For the Men, man of the moment Graham Cameron had another stormer. Coming soon after his 32.20 10K clocking at last week’s big city 10K, Graham showed no fear in his Cross Country bow by taking the race to most of the field. With a number of the Districts finest and most experienced athletes out first for their respective Clubs, Graham gave his team an excellent 3^rd place after his leg.

When all times were tallied up, it was discovered that Graham had also ran the 6^th quickest time of all athletes so an outstanding run indeed.

Yet another Cross Country debutant Neil Walker was next, and with a background of being one of the top cyclists around Neil showed his liking for the grass to hand over to Firstly Stewart Ferguson and finally anchor man Scott Martin who brought Killie home in fine shape.

Late replacement Connell Drummond was like Stewart and Scott in the fact he was coming off the back of a marathon 2 weeks previously, and taking the tough first leg for the B string as usual raced well.

Handing to Willie Duffy, Murray McDonald and finally last leg runner Stuart McCallister, Killie showed fine strength in depth by finishing high up the field with both male teams.