It felt like ‘business as usual’ as the Central Athletics Cross Country Championships returned to Queen Victoria School, Dunblane on Saturday 19 February. The previous day’s snow ensured a true test for all the runners and with stream crossings for all but the youngest runners everyone was somewhat damp by the end of their races. Thankfully sunshine blessed the day so at least the spectators, marshals and recorders were warm and dry.

The Under-11 Boys and Girls raced together over a 1.3 mile course with the normal high levels of enthusiasm and here it was Luca Shepherd (9 minutes 9 seconds) who prevailed in a thrilling sprint finish with Finlay McAdam (9:10) only a stride behind. Alfie Laing has been running well all season and here picked up a bronze medal with a 9:49 effort. Thomas Arnott (9:54) and Fraser McDonald (10:27) should both be pleased with their runs while guest runner Arlo Bell (11:38) led in more determined running from Brody Scanlon (11:44) and Zachary Walker (11:52).

The Under-11 Girls saw Eilidh Connor’s 9:49 effort take the trophy and gold medal with a confident run ahead of Zoe Beaton (10:19) as she lifted the silver medal and another strong run by Emily Watkin (10:42) for bronze. Jessica Walker (12:20) and Iona Clark (13:24) both made an impact in the snowy conditions.

The Under-13 race was held over a 1.6 mile course and here it was two guest brothers Harrison McMillan (12:35) and Rory McMillan (13:13) who ran home at the front of the field. Fraser Kingsley (14:07) and Ethan Bell (15:27) picked up gold and silver with strong runs on the difficult surface.

It was Emily Stanford (14:17) who moved from Under-11 Champion in 2020 to win the Under-13 Girls race in fine fashion. Ciara Middleton (15:27) came through well for silver ahead of the improving Anna Gunn (16:47) in bronze. Both Dee Sanderson (17:32) and Nora Thompson (19:12) should be complimented on their resilience as was the case for Iona McQuater (23:45) who determinedly finished the course in spite of injury.

The third race, over a two lap course of 2.4 miles, saw the Under-15 Boys and Girls run with the Under-17, Senior and Masters Women. Aaron Middleton appeared to glide over the frozen surface to win the Under-15 Boys trophy with a 17:55 run while Fergus Young (19:09) again underlined his promise to take silver ahead of the bronze medal effort of the always reliable Scott Hill (19:25). It was good to see a decent turnout of Under-15 Boys with some strong and competitive running from Henry Crossley (20:29), Alex Dunlop (20:32) and Connal Paterson (24:08). The pull of the Scottish Indoor Championships had left the Under-15 Girls field somewhat depleted but there was no doubting the quality of Leah Brown’s 21:22 effort in lifting the Under-15 gold medal and trophy. Catriona Kane has been impressive all season and here produced a 19:42 effort to win the Under-17 Women’s category from Scarlett Roy (20:34) and Zosia Paddon (22:59). It was good to see Laurie Douglas testing herself here to take the Senior Women’s trophy with a fine 21:17 effort while Nuala Bell’s 21:40 effort lifted the Masters Women’s trophy ahead of the determined Julia McAfee (23:13).

The Under-17 Men ran with the Under-20, Senior and Masters Men over a 3.6 mile, 3 lap challenge with further strong runs throughout. Cameron Kerr’s classy run was rewarded with the Under-17 gold medal ahead of silver and bronze medal efforts from Cameron MacMillan (26:07) and Euan Docherty (29:14) while multi-eventer Ross Lawrie tested his fitness with a 34:55 effort. Alastair Marshall (23:09) headed the whole field and his fine effort picked up the Under-20 Men’s gold medal ahead of further strong runs from Sam Grivell (25:51) and Euan Andrews (28:54) in silver and bronze . It was Andrew Irvine (26:40) who strode round to win the Senior Men’s Trophy ahead of another commendable effort from Neil Ferrier (28:08). The most fiercely contested trophy was the Masters Men category and here Jens Subke (28:42) ran with resolve from the start to win well ahead of further resolute efforts from Colin McCreadie (29:33) and David Eckersley (31:10) to take the minor medals. Donald Shaw (31:16) and Dave Benwell (31:28) were in close contention ahead of Iain Dunsmore (31:57) and Hugh Buchanan (32:22). The conditions must have suited Colin Sinclair (35:44) as he won his personal battle with Allan Gall (36:06) and Cameron Campbell (37:30).