Run 4 It
North District Cross Country League
25.02.12 - Nairn Area AAC
Scottish Cross Country Championships
Venue: Falkirk
Closing date for entries Saturday 28th January
NEWS
SAL National Masters Cross Country Championships
Ewan Paterson was the only Moray Roadrunner amongst the few from the North district at yesterday's Masters Champs at Kilmarnock. The senior men's race attracted 178 runners and Ewan finished in 65th place (6th Vet 55) in 34.25. Alex Sutherland (Inverness Harriers) 36.25, Ray Aitken (Keith & District) 38.58 and Colin Youngson (Forres Harriers) 41.28 also took part. In the Vet 65 race, Hamish Cameron (Forres Harriers) finished 9th in 28.13.
Melissa Whyte (Inverness Harriers) finished 1st lady in 22.54 leading Alison Wilson (27.20) and Doreen Campbell (29.02) to 3rd team place.
Well done everyone.
Full results on results page.
MRR Cross Country
The penultimate meet in the North District Run 4 It Cross Country League was hosted by ourselves at Quarrelwood and conditions were perfect for cross country. The course covered wide tracks and narrow paths over slippery tree roots and through plenty of mud, making it one of the best venues in the league. The 235 runners of all ages were safely marshalled on the course by the 423 Elgin ATC cadets.
The U11 girls' race was first off the mark and a very close finish saw Grace Whelan in 2nd in 6.23, leading Morven Cumming (5th, 7.14) and Cara Nally (13th, 7.36) to second team place. Good performances were also given by Niamh Whelan (20th, 8.02), Beth Grant (25th, 8.17) and Sophie Reilly (31st, 9.40).
Morgan Lewis ran well in the U11 boys' race, finishing in 4th place in 6.24, leading Blair Milne (14th, 7.09) and Joshua Milne (16th, 7.17) to third team place. They were ably supported by Ryan Cantlie (20th, 7.40), Tom Jenkins (24th, 8.18) and Callum McArthur (27th, 9.54).
In the U13 category, Charlotte Bevan finished in 5th place in 14.33 and Robbie Lyall finished 17th in 15.52.
U15 girls Indigo Phillip-McDade, Katie Richards and Dionne Milne took 3rd team place finishing in 8th (22.38), 9th (22.57) and 13th (24.22) respectively.
Only two Moray Roadrunners were in the U15 boys' race, both acquitting themselves very well indeed. Lewis Sim finished in 3rd place in 17.51 and Callum Alexander finished 13th in 20.54.
Bethany Wilson finished 3rd in 21.34 in the U17 women's race.
The senior ladies' race fielded 34 runners including 9 club members. Oonagh Wilson and Louise Cartmell gave great performances in this competitive category finishing 3rd (26.44) and 4th (27.10) respectively with 3rd team place confirmed when Sarah Houston finished in 14th (30.55). They were supported by Linda Smith (15th, 31.05), Claire Reilly (21st, 33.01) and Amanda Strang (27th 34.40) followed by the rear guard of Barbara Bowie (32nd, 36.41), Frances Wardhaugh (33rd, 40.15) and Jenni Coelho (34th, 44.32).
58 senior men were on the start line and they had to complete 3 laps of this Quarrelwood course. Dan Leedham was first MRR over the line in 13th place (36.52), Colin Green was next in 19th (37.41) and Kenny Wilson (22nd, 38.11) and Stephen Carmichael (23rd, 38.30) assured 4th team place for the men. Also running for the club were Ewan Paterson (25th, 39.12), Raymond Hardie (29th, 40.08), Keith McArthur (34th, 41.41), Tom Main (45.43) and Ken Anderson (57th, 57.16).
Well done everyone.
Well done also to the committee and their helpers for their great organisation in everything from setting out the course to providing refreshments.
Ross County Cross Country
The venue for the fourth meet in the North District Cross Country League was at Evanton and this must be the muddiest course ever in cross country! The long climb through the mud to the turning point sapped your energy and was followed by a long, tricky downhill over tree roots and more mud which caused a few to fall, myself and Frances included. However, the weather was kind to us - no wind, rain or snow - and although it was very cold, it was good for running.
Grace Whelan was first Moray Roadrunner home in the U11 girls' race in a well deserved 2nd place in 7.15, leading Cara Nally (8.44) and Niamh Whelan (9.07) to 3rd team place. They were ably supported by Amy Jenkins who finished in 10.40.
In the U11 boys' race, Blair Milne finished in 8th place in 7.49, ahead of brother Joshua (8.37), Tom Jenkins (9.19), Reagan MacHardy, in his first cross country, (9.22) and Callum McArthur (11.16).
Also in their first cross country for the club were Morgan Lewis and Robbie Lyall who ran in the U13 boys race finishing in 16.43 and 20.14 respectively.
In the U15 category, Katy Richards finished in 11th place in 27.25 and Lewis Sim had a great run finishing in 3rd place in 20.28.
U17 Bethany Wilson also had a good run, finishing in 3rd place in 24.29.
The senior women completed two laps of the course and were led all the way by Melissa Whyte of Inverness Harriers. Elspeth Jenkins was first MRR over the line in 11th place in 35.39, followed by Claire Riley in 17th (38.26), Barbara Bowie 22nd (41.43), Amanda Strang 24th (41.52), Frances Wardhaugh 27th (47.50) and Jennie Coelho 30th in 56.12.
The senior men completed three laps of this gruelling course and of the 52 competitors, 4 were Moray Roadrunners. Gareth Jenkins finished 14th in 42.38, Colin Green 21st in 44.01, Ewan Paterson 22nd in 44.48 and Keith McArthur finished 29th in 48.26.
Well done to everyone who took part. You all deserved a medal!
Thank you to Ross County for their excellent marking and marshalling of the course and for their hospitality.
Full results on the results page.
Interdistrict Championships
Five members of Moray Roadrunners have been selected to represent the North District at the above event to be held in Edinburgh on 7th January 2012.
U15 Lewis Sim, Oonagh Wilson, Elspeth Jenkins, Louise Cartmell and Daniel Leedham.
Well done all of you.
North District Cross Country Championships
Although it was very windy in Grant Park, Forres yesterday, it was perfect conditions running through the woodland in the NDCC Championships which were hosted by Forres Harriers. This beautiful hilly course was mostly dry underfoot but care was needed in the downhills, which were slippy in places, and there were a few fallers. Hopefully their injuries are not too serious.
There were just one or two Moray Roadrunners in each of the junior races but the senior races were better represented with seven ladies and ten men taking part.
The U11 races do not count in the championships but there was still a good turn out of 16 in each race. Cara Nally, Morven Cumming and Amy Jenkins finished in 5th (6.14), 6th (6.17) and 14th (8.02) places respectively and Blair Milne and Tom Jenkins finished in 7th (5.49) and 15th (6.41).
In their respective races, U13 Andrew Little finished 22nd in 17.36, U15 Callum Alexander 12th in 20.30, Dionne Milne 12th in 23.46, Katy Richards 13th in 23.56 and U17 Blair Little finished 10th in 28.04.
Moray Roadrunners won their first medals of the day in the senior women's race, which was won by Jenny Bannerman of Inverness Harriers in 28.48. Louise Cartmell, Elspeth Jenkins and Sarah Houston finished 4th (29.33), 6th (30.59) and 12th (33.15) respectively which was enough to win bronze team medals. Elspeth was 1st vet and was rewarded with a gold medal. Linda Smith finished in 14th (33.30), Amanda Strang 25th (37.36), Barbara Bowie 30th (39.32) and Jenni Coelho 34th (43.57).
The senior men's race was won convincingly by Mark Mitchell of Forres Harriers in 34.19 who also led Forres Harriers to victory in the team prize. Bronze team medals went to Moray Roadrunners thanks to Dan Leedham (7th, 38.16), Gareth Jenkins (11th, 39.06), Colin Green (24th, 40.53), Alisdair Campbell (29th, 41.59), Ewan Paterson (32nd, 42.04) and John Little (33rd, 42.11). John also won a bronze medal in the U20 category. Other members taking part were Stephen Carmichael who finished 38th in 43.16, Stuart Morrison 44th (44.43) and Keith McArthur 45th (45.10). Patrick O'Sullivan did not finish, we hope he is not injured.
Congratulation to the medal winners and well done everyone.
Thanks to Forres Harriers for their excellent organisation of the course and their hospitality after the races.
Photos on pictures page courtesy of Alan Bowie.
Full results on results page.
The Running Shop Winter XC Series
Well done to Moray Roadrunner, Indigo McDade, who took part in the U15 girls 2 mile event in the 1st meet of the above event. Indigo finished in 3rd place in 12.44.
Inverness Cross Country
Grace Whelan leading the U11 girls' race
Inverness Harriers were the hosts for the third cross country meet of the North District League and once again the weather was very kind to us. It was a beautiful day, with a wee breeze and the views from the new course at Culloden Academy were tremendous as we looked across the Firth to the Black Isle. The course itself involved running around two very large fields covered in stubble, which wasn't too bad as it was quite firm underfoot with only a few muddy areas.
Grace Whelan (U11) gave the best result of the day for Moray Roadrunners, finishing 1st in 6.27, well ahead of the following pack. Morven Cumming finished strongly in 4th place (7.06) and Beth Grant in 17th (8.08) to give MRR second team points. Amy Jenkins (8.59) completed the MRR line-up.
In U11b, twins Blair and Joshua Milne, finished 17th (7.04) and 20th (7.24) respectively, followed closely by Tom Jenkins in 21st place (7.50).
In U15 categories, Dionne Milne finished 9th (22.36) and Callum Alexander finished 11th in 20.33.
The senior ladies' race continues to attract a good number of strong athletes and once again Melissa Whyte (Inverness Harriers) led the way, finishing in 24.11. Oonagh Wilson had a fantastic run, finishing in 2nd place in 26.04 and Elspeth Jenkins (6th, 27.58) and Sarah Houston (10th, 29.49) ensured Moray Roadrunners won second team points. Linda Smith was not far behind in 12th place (30.24), followed by Claire Riley (18th, 32.00), Amanda Strang (27th, 33.56), Barbara Bowie (31st, 35.22), Frances Wardhaugh (34th, 40.08) and, completing her first cross country event since schooldays, Jenni Coelho who finished in 40.33.
There were 57 senior men in the starting line-up. Daniel Leedham was 1st MRR over the line in 5th place in 34.53, leading Gareth Jenkins (9th, 35.18), Colin Green (17th, 36.41) and Alistair Campbell (23rd, 38.24) to 3rd team place. Also running for MRR were Ewan Paterson (26th, 38.59), Patrick O'Sullivan (33rd, 39.53), Raymond Hardie (35th, 40.31), Keith McArthur (36th, 40.41) and Brian Milne (44th, 43.19).
Well done everyone and thank you to Inverness for their hospitality.
Photos courtesy of A. Bowie on the pictures page.
North District Cross Country Championships
Information and map for the championships to be held at Forres, are available above and on the events page. Entries close on 14th November so, if you intend to take part, please let Elspeth or Colin know as soon as possible. Although the age groups for the championships are U13s upwards, there will also be a non-championship race for the U11 boys and girls starting at 11.15. Entry for this race is free. Please read the information available.
Volunteers required
Active Schools are organising a Secondary Schools Cross Country Event on Wednesday, 16th November, from 9.00 - 12.00 in Morriston Playing Fields. They have approached various running clubs requesting assistance on the day. Please contact Gareth if you are able to help out.
Keith Cross Country
It was perfect cross country weather yesterday in Keith, though it did get a bit windy once the races started. The course was the usual strength sapping combination of tussocky grass, wet and muddy fields worsened by the recent occupants of cows and horses. However, Keith did well to get their course organised after discovering in the morning that the farmer had moved his horses yet again!
There was a fantastic turn out of Moray Roadrunners in both junior and senior events. First off were the U11 girls with Grace Whelan leading for most of the race but having to settle for 2nd place in 6.18. Morven Cumming in 8th place (7.12) and Niamh Whelan in 14th (8.06) ensured 2nd team points, and were ably supported by Beth Grant and Amy Jenkins who finished in 15th (8.15) and 18th (8.21) places respectively.
In the U11 boys race, Josh Milne (6.56), Blair Milne (7.06) and Tom Jenkins (7.34) finished well in 15th, 17th and 19th places.
U15 girls Dionne Milne and Katy Richards crossed the line in 10th and 12th places respectively (13.36 & 13.48) and Bethany Wilson finished strongly in the U17 girls race in 3rd place in 12.54.
Lewis Sim ran well in a strong field, finishing 4th in 11.03 and Callum Alexander finished 11th in 12.10.
James Wilson was the sole representative of MRR in the U17 men's race, finishing 11th in 25.07.
The senior ladies race had a starting line up of 36 and Melissa Whyte of Inverness Harriers led the way, followed by a strong field of athletes. Oonagh Wilson had a great run and her 3rd place finish in 24.12, in conjunction with Elspeth Jenkins' finish in 5th (24.56) and Sarah Houston's finish in 11th (27.51), ensured 2nd team points. Linda Smith was pleased with her result (14th, 29.03) as was Claire Riley (18th, 30.20) and Angela McCarthy (22nd, 30.50). This was Angela's first cross country for the club and hopefully not her last! Amanda Strang (30th, 32.42) and Barbara Bowie (31st, 33.15) completed the MRR ladies' entry.
The senior men's race entry of 50 included 9 Moray Roadrunners. Second place team points were won by Daniel Leedham (5th, 32.19), Gareth Jenkins (6th, 32.31), Colin Green (10th, 33.48) and Patrick O'Sullivan (16th, 35.27). They were ably supported by Ewan Paterson (17th, 35.38), Alistair Campbell (18th, 36.21), Raymond Hardie (23rd, 37.12), Keith McArthur (31st, 38.39) and Brian Milne (40th, 41.15).
The day was enjoyed by all. Many thanks to Keith for their hospitality.
Well done everyone.
Photos will follow soon.
Scottish Athletics 4K Cross Country Championships
Names to Linda (secretary) please no later than 21st October if you want to be part of the club entry. Athletes can enter individually, but would have to pay up front and then claim back the entry fee.
North District Cross Country Relays
We arrived at Dornoch to cool
conditions and overcast skies and before long the rain descended and continued
throughout the event, sometimes just drizzly, sometimes quite heavy, with the
result being increasing muddy conditions as the day progressed. The course was
fairly flat with a mix of landrover tracks and softer sections through the
woods.
In the boys event there was a big field and it was a big ask for Adam McDonald,
being at the younger end of his age group, but he stuck to the task well. Lewis
Sim had a great run and moved the Moray lads up through the field, with Blair
Little taking the third leg and bringing the team home in 8th place.
Unfortunately, the club was unable to field a girls team.
In the ladies race, it was always going to be a battle for the minor places,
with the Inverness ladies posting the fastest times on all 3 legs. Linda Smith
took the first leg, getting us round in third, but with the East Sutherland
runner not far behind. New girl Claire Reilly had a great run, in this her first
cross country, maintaining our position and increasing the gap to the fourth
runner. Ladies captain Elspeth Jenkins made up some ground on the second placed
Forres team, but the gap was too big to close. The ladies were all happy with
their efforts and their bronze medals.
Nine teams lined up for the mens race and as with the ladies event, big gaps
quickly opened up at the front of the field. John Little ran well on the first
leg, and handed over in the middle of the field. Colin Green and Patrick
O'Sullivan both managed to overhaul their rivals, putting us in fourth with
third still a possiblity. However, despite Gareth Jenkins best efforts the third
runner from Stornoway ran a very strong leg and was well clear at the end.
Forres and Highland Hill runners took the gold and silver medals.
All in all a good and successful day out with everyone giving their all on
behalf of the club.
Report courtesy of Linda.
Caithness Cross Country
Cross Country - it's a family affair!
Not many Moray Roadrunners made the long journey to Thurso for the first meet of the North District Cross Country league, but all enjoyed the experience. It was a very still day, very warm and it didn't rain until all the races were finished. However, that doesn't mean that the course was any different from any other year - wet, boggy and very muddy as per usual. But it was very well marked and very well marshalled which took the sting out of it a bit.
Under 11s Morven Cumming, Amy Jenkins and Tom Jenkins entered into the spirit of cross country as they ran through the water and mud with ease, finishing in 5.41, 7.02 and 6.03 respectively in their races.
In the ladies' race, Elspeth Jenkins, Barbara Bowie and Frances Wardhaugh picked up valuable team points. Elspeth was in good form, despite running a 40 mile ultra last weekend, finishing in 6th position in a strong field. Barbara managed to lose a shoe in the mud, but was pleased to get round the course unscathed and Frances became unwell during the race, but walked/jogged to the finish thus ensuring the team points.
Gareth Jenkins, Patrick O'Sullivan and Ewan Paterson finished in 7th, 9th and 10th position respectively. Unfortunately there was no 4th Moray Roadrunner to make it a team event, but Gareth and Ewan were happy to be back in competition again after injury and Patrick thought it was a great course!
Thank you to CAAC for their hospitality.
More photos will be on the pictures page soon.
Full results here
North District Cross Country Relay Champs
The above event in Dornoch is only 4 weeks away (one week after Thurso) so if you are interested in a place in a team please let your club captain (Elspeth or Brian) know as soon as possible please. All abilities are welcome.