Borders Winter X/C: Dunbar & East Selection
December 14th, 2009John Muir Country Park in Dunbar drew runners from a’ the airts on Sunday for the 3rd leg of the Borders Winter Cross Country series, held on a near-perfect day for running with a course that is characterised by difficult running on sand and bog, and forest trails with river crossings thrown in for good measure.
73 juniors stepped up to the line first and amongst them 10 young Gala Harriers who, between them retained their position at the top of the leader board in the junior club championship. In the boys’ categories, fine runs came from Rowan Marr (4th in 14.06) Paul Henney (9th in 15.01) Cammy Gowans (12th in 15.20) and Fraser Gowans (50th in 19.05). Kerry Sandilands continued her sparkling form with a great run in 15.31, with Lucy Henderson-Morris second home for the Harriers in a spirited 16.27. Twins Hannah and Emily Jones returned consistent runs in 17.18 and 17.34, just in front of Jo Arres in the girl’s 11 category, whose excellent time of 17.40 ensured that she finished first in her age group. Martha Douglas held on for a gutsy 18.19.
After last week’s selection event in Livingston, the exciting news is that juniors Alice Haining, Rowan Marr, Paul Henney, Kerry Sandilands and from the seniors Diane Lauder have all been selected to represent the East District in the inter-district cross country match to be held in the home of Scottish and international cross country racing, Holyrood Park in January 2010. Well done to all 5 of them.
162 seniors had descended on the coastal park for their race, with 15 Harriers braving the tough beach, bog and river elements of this challenging course. Bob Marshall proved that age is no barrier and led the Harriers home in a fine 32.22, first in his 60+ age group. Alan Goodson again put in a consistently strong performance in 32.31, with Martin Clarke the third Harrier home in a well-judged 33.17. There were good placings in age groups for some of the remaining Harriers, who all represented their club well: Billy McCulloch (35.45) Dave Nightingale (36.19) David Hunter (36.38) Malky Gowans (36.49) Leanne Haining (38.01) Gerry Moss (39.00) Fiona Shepherd (39.48) Dawn Grant(42.20) Nicola Porterfield (42.33) Gina Allen (43.03) Shelagh King (47.38) and Anne Purves (52.26).
