It was the usual mix of grass, trail, hilly tree roots and mud as Gordonstoun once again provided the venue for the North District XC Championships. As the host club, we are always grateful to have such a fantastic course on our doorstep and the relatively calm conditions ensured a great days racing throughout all age groups (and a reasonably dry shift for our outstanding on-course volunteers)!
It was great to see MRR represented in every junior race. A couple of injuries during races (hamstring and ankle) led to withdrawals but it’s all part of the sport and there’s no doubt both will come back stronger. A mixture of solid performances, top 10 finishes, muddy legs and smiling faces at the start and finish set the tone for the day. A special mention also to our junior marshals and parents for supporting the event. Well done everybody.
U13s – Eilidh Rutherford, Hunter Richardson, Darren Green, Lewis Smith
U15s – Alex Whelan, William King, Alasdair Jenkins, Connor Cameron
U17s – Beth Urquhart, Lewis Paterson
Marshals – Hugh Cumming, Eilidh Rutherford
The senior races attracted large fields from numerous clubs across the North with a tremendous show of ‘yellas’ in both the men’s and ladies’ races. In a very strong field, our ladies did the club proud with fine performances from our seasoned campaigners and first timers alike. Great running everyone.
U20 – Grace Jenkins, Hannah Stephen
Ladies – Louise Cartmell, Gemma Cormack, Jess Haworth, Susan McNairney, Michelle Slater, Kayleigh Edwards, Anne Hewes, Amanda Strang
The men didn’t disappoint either with personal battles being fought right the way across the 104 participants. Again, it was a day to rise to the occasion and this was no doubt the case with a real show of strength from everybody.
Men – Kenny Wilson, Adam Baker, Matt Blunden, James Wilson, Ben Livesey, Sam Milton, Colin McRae, Gareth Jenkins, Gary Mackay, Phil Dennis, Kevin Morice, Jocky Urquhart, Stephen Carmichael, Colin Green, Ally Campbell, Andy Alexander, Lee Wiles, Simon MacDonald, Kevin Morrison, Col Cumming, Kevin Douglas, Lawrie Currie
The day was rounded off with the senior prize giving and a big thanks to the team of officials and North District Commission members for such an excellent event.
Individual Medallists:
Gold – Matt Blunden (V40), Gareth Jenkins (V50)
Silver – Kenny Wilson (Senior), Ben Livesey (V40)
Bronze – Grace Jenkins (U20)
Team Medallists:
Gold – Senior Men (Kenny, Adam, Matt, James, Ben, Sam)
Gold – Masters Men (Matt, Ben, Gareth)
Silver – Senior Ladies (Louise, Gemma, Jess, Susan)
A final shout out to the army of volunteers from the club – without you the race simply doesn’t happen so THANK YOU one and all.
Report by: Gareth Jenkins