What a fantastic day at the North District XC Champs. It’s always a pleasure for Moray Road Runners to host these Champs at Gordonstoun School – a stunning venue, particularly this year with clear skies, sunshine, firm(ish) underfoot conditions and a partially frozen pond!
There were good fields throughout all the races and our juniors set the standard, competing really well against clubs from as far afield as Lochaber, Peterhead, North Uist and Stornoway as well as those more local. A huge well done to you all with Bronze team medals for William, Darren & Al (U15 Boys) and for Connor, Lewis & Michael (U17 boys). Great running also from Rhys P, Hugh, Alex and Evie.
Our U20 Ladies didn’t disappoint either with Grace and Hannah picking up Silver and Bronze respectively. In the Senior Ladies race it was a battling Bronze for Gemma with Katie coming home 4th. Katja took a well-judged and extremely hard fought Gold in the V40 category and, alongside our 4th scorer Angela, it was a team Silver with the Highland Hill Runners squad taking gold. Absolutely brilliant to see so many of our ladies competing strongly throughout the field. Great effort everyone.
Our Senior men were always going to find it tough against an excellent East Sutherland team and rivals from Inverness, Highland Hill Runners and Lochaber in particular so it was great to see James taking individual Silver. A fine day for the Blundens with Matt claiming Gold in the V40 category, matching his wife Katja’s performance earlier. Supported by Adam, Sam, Colin McR and Ali McW it was an excellent team Silver. Again the field was dotted with plenty of yellow vests battling their way round – well done everyone.
Thank you to all the superb officials and team from the ND XC Commission – never take for granted their ongoing commitment to running in the North. Events like this simply wouldn’t happen without them and we are very grateful for all they do. Similarly, the Air Cadets and First Aid team, many many thanks.
Finally, a Gold medal to everyone from Team Yella who made the race possible: our marshalls and finish line team enduring the freezing conditions making sure the runners got round safely; the early start and late finish for those setting up and taking down the course; the car parking squad for slotting the vehicles in so efficiently; the refreshments team for feeding everyone so well.
Thank You.
Report by: Gareth Jenkins