This was one of the busiest weekends so far this year in the hills for Shettleston’s off road enthusiasts with members competing in various locations in Scotland and England.

Events kicked off with the Eildons Hill Race in the Scottish Borders on Saturday afternoon with 10 Shetts tackling the 3rd race in this year’s Scottish Champs down in Melrose. Great to see new member Anna Wallace for the first time in blue and gold, running very strongly to take 4th place in the female category (40th overall). 1st Shett home and another relative newcomer to the club was Harry Pulham with an excellent run in 9th place. 
A strong mens team performance was completed by Iain Pender(16), Steve  Winter(19) & Mark Thistlethwaite(23). Also running well for the club was Ross Cruikshanks(28), Bill Breckenridge(36), Rodrigo Reps(99), Susan Breckenridge(130)…and a certain Dermot McGonigle(82). Full results here
A special mention must go to the appearance on the start line of this club legend and life member, Dermot. One of the original Shettleston Harriers International Team members was completing his first hill race for the club in 13 years. The Scottish Hill Running Champion of 1986 and 1996, not to mention numerous Scotland representations, dusted off his vintage club vest once again. Hopefully we won’t have to wait so long for his next appearance!

Every runner got a beer glass to celebrate the 60th Eildons Hill Race (beer sadly not included)

A little bit later on Saturday afternoon and quite a bit further north near Kingussie saw lone ranger Calum Oates take aim at the Suidhe Hill Race in a small but talented field of hill runners. Calum took a fantastic second place behind Alasdair Anthony over the 6k route but came back for more on Sunday for the Creag Bheag Hill Race just up the road, coming home this time in 7th. 

The highlight of the weekend however came further south again at the Senior Home International near Sedbergh. Two Shettleston stalwarts Joe Symonds and Ross Gollan were representing Scotland, taking on the best of the home nations’ hill and fell runners over a tough 11k race. Both athletes had an outstanding performance with Ross finishing in 8th, one place in front of Joe. With fellow international team mates Andy Douglas and Jacob Adkin taking 3rd and 4th place respectively it was team gold for the Scots just pipping England on count back! The Scottish ladies completed a double gold winning team result over England and the other home nations to cement a very fine away performance. Congratulations to Ross, Joe and the rest of team Scotland.

A determined Joe out-sprinting Dan Haworth to claim 9th
Joe Symonds, Jacob Atkin, Andrew Douglas, Ross Gollan with Team gold medals

Thanks to Bill Breckenridge for the report

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