Border X/C Series Final Leg: Peebles
March 1st, 2010The 21st season of the Borders Winter Cross Country series came to an end in Peebles on Sunday with the final leg held in the town’s Hay Lodge Park. This series has seen some of the most extreme weather conditions to date and the last event in the programme did not disappoint with biting winds and icy rain keeping runners on their toes all the way around the varied course.
The final positions in every category as well as team trophies are awarded immediately after the last race and the Gytes proved a warm and welcoming venue for the 200+ runners and supporters who had braved the elements in this and the previous races in the calendar.
Gala juniors have always performed well as a team and this year they carried off the coveted Junior team trophy, one better than last year when they won the hosting clubs’ version. All juniors running throughout the series contributed to this success and four turned out for the final race when they nailed the victory and secured some rankings in individual events as well. Rowan Marr won his M13 category overall with a splendid 3rd place in the junior race in 8 minutes 49 seconds. Paul Henney did not need to run in Peebles to secure his placing (still to be confirmed) but Cammy Gowans had a storming last race in the M15s which improved his position overall (again, still to be confirmed). Martha Douglas ran an excellent 10.48 and Jo Arres finished 3rd in her F11 age category with a finely judged 11.14 run. Lucy Henderson-Morris and Kerry Sandilands would have also collected individual prizes (to be confirmed). Well done to all the competing juniors.
Over 150 seniors stepped up to the line for the final race of a series which has consistently attracted this sort of number or above. As usual, first home for the Harriers was Alan Goodson in 28.08 and less than half a minute later Bob Marshall, who has consistently been in pole position in his 60+ category, consolidating his top place with a very impressive run. Pulling on a Harriers’ vest for the first time was new member Georgia Nesbitt (17) from Hobart who ran a super race, finishing 3rd in the FJ class in this race in a very well paced 30.35. A large number of Harriers joined her and recorded some consistent times which reflect their commitment and determination over the series. These were: Martin Clarke (28.56) Alastair Laurie (29.17) Billy McCulloch (30.42) Malky Gowans (31.05) Colin McColl (31.22) Dave Nightingale (31.44) David Hunter (31.57) Leanne Haining (32.16) Ian Wilson (32. 36) Scott Forsyth (33.01) Alison Wilson (33.33) Fiona Shepherd (33.47) Jackie Law (34.21) Gerry Moss (35.37) Nicola Porterfield (36.12) Gina Allen (37.19) Billy McBain (41.37) and Shelagh King (42.06) who picked up 3rd prize in her 50+ age category.
Next outing for the Harriers is the Lasswade 10 mile road run, starting at 12 noon on Sunday 7 March.
Dean Says:
Hi Guys,
I just wanted to say on behalf of Corrstorphine AAC, thanks to all the border clubs for hosting the series. Its a great event which we always look foward to. We run a 5M race on the 9th June so hopefully see some familar faces there. Click the line below for details :
http://caac.org.uk/caac_cms/caac5
regards
Dean Carr
Corstorphine AAC
rosi capper Says:
Hi - I wonder if Jo Arres or her family could get in touch with us please. Jo won 2nd place in the U13 girls’ winter XC series and the award was presented by mistake to the third placed girl. Moorfoot RC are keen to rectify this and would like to get in touch with you to arrange the handover of the right trophy. Thanks.