North District XC League – Forres – 11/2/23

The curtain came down on the North District XC League with Forres hosting the final fixture in Grant Park. Dry and bright conditions greeted the runners and there was a sea of yellow across the venue. With medals, league positions, friendly rivalries and personal challenges to motivate us all it was the U11s that set the standard with fantastic running from the 4 lads. A 2nd place was good enough to secure individual bronze for Roger Long who has performed superbly in the league this season. Ably supported by our 3 ever presents, Rhys Paterson, Hugh Cumming and Rhys Jennings, the team finished 3rd overall – brilliant effort everyone.

Next up were our U13s with Hunter Richardson finishing 3rd and Darren Green not far behind and another ever present in the league. It has been great to see the improvement of both throughout the season and they should be really pleased with their performances.

U15 Alex Whelan again ran strongly to finish high up the field and it was a good run from Alasdair Jenkins in the boys’ race to finish the season well. Beth Urquhart ran well in the U17 race, as did Lewis Paterson who consolidated his league position to claim bronze overall – another ever present who seemed to get stronger with every race.

The senior races have been really well attended and it was no different with a huge turnout for the final race of the season. 20 men and 11 ladies was an exceptional show of strength from MRR – Kenny Wilson, Ben Livesey, James Wilson, Sam Milton, Gareth Jenkins, Andrew Rogan, Kevin Morice, Jocky Urquhart, Stephen Carmichael, Ally Campbell, Colin Green, Graham Stephen, Simon Macdonald, Kevin Morrison, Simon Dobbs, Col Cumming, Lee Wiles, John Devine, Ian Barker and Phill Thompson; Gemma Cormack, Jess Haworth, Michelle Slater, Kayleigh Edwards, Jane Barker, Grace Jenkins, Elspeth Jenkins, Anne Hewes, Hannah Stephen, Amanda Strang and Jenni Coelho.

Many battles unfolded over the energy sapping course – horrible hill was as unforgiving as ever, keeping the effort levels high and honest performances throughout. Well done to everyone, from debutants, those returning from injury, regulars/ever presents and our league prizewinners:

Gold
Kenny Wilson (Sen)
Ben Livesey (V40)
Senior Mens Team

Silver
James Wilson (Sen)
Gareth Jenkins (V50)

Our gratitude, as always, to the league committee and the team of officials who are absolutely critical to the success of the league.

Finally, a massive thank you to all our runners, parents and supporters for making this season’s XC League a fantastic experience for all.

Report by: Gareth Jenkins

Scroll to Top