There was success for MRR at the British Masters XC Champs with superb individual and team performances throughout. As the Champs this year were held in Forres, no fewer than 22 MRR runners grasped the chance to be part of a quality event on our doorstep. Conditions were cold but firm underfoot with fewer hills than we are used to at Forres and it was the Ladies and Masters 65+ men who got things underway with a race over 6k.
With individual medals up for grabs across 5 year age categories and team medals spread 
across a 10 year range, it was everything to play for and our ladies didn’t disappoint. There were outstanding runs from Michelle Slater to claim BRONZE in the 35-39 category and BRONZE also for our 45-54 team of Elspeth Jenkins, Karen Norvell and Amanda Strang. Huge congratulations ladies. How great it was also to see more yellow vests spread throughout the categories so well done also to Kimberley Clark, Barbara Bowie, Alison Ruickbie, Janet May, Jenni Coelho and Frances Wardhaugh.
With conditions holding up well it was the turn of the Men’s 35 – 64 race over 8k, again with individual and team medals up for grabs. What a superb run by Robbie Paterson to finish 4th overall and take SILVER in the 35-39 category. Ably supported by Martin Bain and Chris Smith, it was BRONZE for our 35-44 trio. Great effort guys. Yellow vests were aplenty once more – Gareth Jenkins, Colin Green, Ally Campbell, Iain Macdonald, Simon Dobbs, Robert Bruce, Euan Cantlie, Simon Macdonald, Toks Osunrinade – making MRR the best represented Club at the Champs. What a superb effort from everyone.Undoubtedly this was an exceptionally proud day for us all at the Club and shows what can be achieved when we assemble in our masses. Road trip to the Masters Champs next year anyone????
Report by: Gareth Jenkins