Callendar Park in Falkirk was the setting once again for the National XC Champs with a huge turnout of 29 yellas in amongst the masses. With MRR represented in 8 out of the 10 races, it was well worth the early start and long journey to take part in the highlight of Scottish Athletics racing calendar. The bright yellow gazebo and club banners certainly looked the part in amongst the colours of the 101 other participating clubs.
Our U13s of Hunter Richardson and Darren Green set the tone, both performing really well around the dry but challenging course to finish in the middle of a high quality field.
In the U15 races, Alex Whelan ran superbly to place 37th out of the 120 finishers in the girls race; Alasdair Jenkins had a solid run in his race but William King eventually succumbed to a pre-existing foot injury, eventually pulling up midway through the last lap.
Beth Urquhart, Michael Bishenden and Lewis Paterson acquitted themselves really well in their respective U17 races, battling hard against those around them and it was great to see Grace Jenkins and Hannah Stephen in amongst the field of U20 athletes.
In the senior races it was Gemma Cormack who came home in 38th place, ably assisted by Jane Barker, Elspeth Jenkins, Anne Hewes, Amanda Strang, Anna King and Donna Richardson to claim 19th team in a race stacked with quality and 307 athletes.
James Wilson was our first man home in 63rd place out of 672 finishers. Gareth Jenkins, Jocky Urquhart, Ally Campbell, Stephen Carmichael, Colin Green, Graham Stephen, Andy Alexander, Lee Wiles, Simon MacDonald, Kevin Morrison and Ian Barker all pushed hard to seal 28th team, capping an excellent day’s racing full of determination, emotions, laughs and great camaraderie. A huge well done to everyone involved, particularly those taking part for the first time. Hopefully we’ll entice a few more next year as it really is a fantastic club event.
Report by: Gareth Jenkins