28 young athletes and 26 seniors braved the wet, windy (and even hail at one point) conditions for the annual handicapped run around the hilly golf course of Alexandra Park. Many thanks to the team of volunteers who were up early helping out on the day. John Mackay and Gary Woods made it even more challenging as they wanted to replicate the Inter District course for the races on January 11th. Photos thanks to Graeme Brown © GeeBee Images
The young athletes were first off to complete 1 lap of the 2km loop. Miley Caldwell came first home with a healthy 16 sec lead from Charlotte Reilly. Emma Locke will be glad her mum got her a last minute entry as she came home third girl and fastest overall girl. Oliver Allen came 1st boy to cross the line with Rio Biddlecombe second boy just 5 secs behind and Sam McGowan 3rd boy. Rebecca Ryan and Alasdair Johnston were the only two under 9s and had a very close battle for the under 9s title with Rebecca just finishing ahead. In amongst the mass of young athletes crossing the line next included Ciaran Curley who was fastest boy with 8:10 (although only by 3 secs quicker than Rio). Well done to all the juniors and parents for enduring the challenging Scottish cross country conditions.
The seniors endured even worse conditions with a vicious hail storm half way through the 4km race. Guest Kerry Ryan had first choice of the gifts although as a member of Newton Road Runners wasn’t trusted with the trophy which went to Stephen Clark. Joe Haughey was second home and went home with the masters trophy. David Murphy, another master, took home 2nd male medal and Stewart Houston 3rd male. Andre Taylor in 9th followed up his great West League run with fastest male in a time of 13:39 Lily Miller came home 1st female just behind Andrew in 10th. Charlene McCallum, fastest female 16:39, was 2nd female and Ruth Joss 3rd female.
