Scottish National Cross Country Champs

NATIONALS CLOSE CROSS COUNTRY SEASON.

On Saturday 23^rd Feb, Falkirk’s Callander Park once again was the venue for the highlight of the Country’s Cross Country season as the National Championships took place. The venue now seems set in stone, and no wonder. The route combines Grass, trails, woodland, hills and some of the most scenic surroundings you will see.

A number of Kilmarnock Harriers were in show, including a few Juniors, but as the day drew to a close it was the turn of the Seniors and Under 20 athletes. With over 2,000 in action during the course of the day, although conditions were very goo the course still cut up a wee bit as time went on and in the Under 20 race Cameron Mackie and Murray McDonald lined up for the 2 lap, 8,000 metre run. Both did fairly well in a distance not comfortable to either and both placed just outside the top 50 as the race drew to a close.

In the Senior Ladies Race, it was a 3 way tussle at the top with Beth Potter just pipping GB Internationalists Rosie Smith and Susan Partridge for the National title.

Kara Tait however was running for the first time in a number of years and had a great run to finish inside the top 30. Taking a few scalps along the way, Kara picked off places as the run progressed and was pleased with a strong showing.

Debutant Maire Gorman also fared well in the same 2 lap course, and finished just outside the Top 100 which was very decent at this level.

Times were 29^th Kara Tait 32.20, 119^th Maire Gorman 37.01.

The day finished with the Senior Mens 12000, gruelling 3 lap test of endurance and at the finale Cambuslang athlete Wegene Tafese just pipped Robbie Simpson and Joe Symonds for the crown.

4 Killie athletes were in the field, and Scott Martin was first home and delighted to finish inside his top 100 target in the process. Arguably performance of the day belonged to David Murray, the former 68 minute Half Marathoner continuing his comeback with a very high placing. Les McDerment and Tony Rodden completed the quartet with Les suffering unfortunate blisters and Tony gaining more valuable XC experience and doing well.

Times and positions were –

91^st Scott Martin 44.44, 159^th David Murray 47.14, 322^nd Les McDerment 52.34, 375^th Tony Rodden 55.08.