Peebles X/C 2008-9
December 15th, 2008The third round of the increasingly popular Borders Cross Country Winter series took place at Hay Lodge Park last weekend in cold, rather miserable conditions, which were very slippy underfoot. In the past, Borders clubs dominated this series but now with increasing numbers in both senior and junior races come seriously fast runners from across Scotland who are currently dominating the leader board.
Gala Harriers’ juniors are now however a force to be reckoned with and although the very fast two laps of the park didn’t suit everyone, the 12 juniors still pulled off junior team prize and finished first in many of the age categories. There were 57 junior runners in total but leading the way for the Harriers was Cammy Fair, 2nd overall and 1st in category in 9 minutes and 31 seconds, who was pushed all the way by rapidly improving Rowan Marr. Rowan has been selected to run for the East of Scotland in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh in the New Year and this try-out put him only 6 seconds behind Cammy in 3rd place overall. Also selected to represent the East, Kerry Sandilands proved what an improved runner she is by coming in 15th overall and 1st in category in 10.40 and at the same time just holding-off Lucy Henderson-Morris (10.44). The other places and times for the juniors were Cammy Gowans (21st in 11.03), Skye Sheill (22nd in 11.09), Claire White (24th in 11.23), Martha Douglas (27th in 11.32), Gillian Sandie (35th in 12.10), Fraser Gowans (44th in 13.19), Jo Marr (54th in 14.43), and Rhona Gowans (55th in 15.05). Not running on the day but also selected to represent the East of Scotland in January is Alice Haining.
There were a total of 149 runners in the senior race, which started in the park before heading off along the river bank, along the old railway line, over the bridge on the Tweed and out through the mud and Peebleshire woodlands to finish back in the mud alongside the Tweed again. First home for the Harriers was Gregor McAneny (58th on 29.42) just holding off both Laura Goodson (59th in 29.43) and Derrick Brydon (60th in 29.45). Also having a good run, this time starting at the same time as other runners for a change, was Malky Gowans (64th in 30.12) closely followed by Rachel Fagan (67th in 30.23) and Gillian Duncan (83rd in 31.42). Other times and places for Harriers: Leanne Haining (88th in 32.00), Billy McCulloch (96th in 33.27), Paul Morris (98th in 33.36), Eileen Nicol (104th in 33.58), Jane Chalmers (113th in 34.42), Gerry Moss (119th in 35.22), Fiona Shepherd (125th in 36.16), Dawn Grant (134th in 38.01), Shelagh King (143rd in 41.20). Good wishes go to Gina who started but didn’t finish – a victim of the slithery underfoot conditions which caused a sprained ankle.
The next outing for the Harriers is the annual Gala to Lauder social run with Lauder Limpers on 2nd January. This starts at Tweedbank and goes over the Southern Upland Way to finish at the Lauderdale Hotel.
Some photographs posted in gallery
