The first race of Central Athletic Club’s 2022-23 Cross-Country Series was held on Saturday 25 November in Callander Crags Woods on a bright frosty morning with 39 young athletes completing the course.

Craig Walker set a testing course for the youngsters with a lung bursting uphill finish making it a true endurance trial for the runners.

The Under-9 and Under-11 athletes raced over a one mile course and were headed home by Under-11 Boy Seonaigh Logan (8 minutes 3 seconds) with an impressive run. Hugh Thomas (8:12) continues to show promise as he led in more strong performances from Sam White (8:14), Lachlan Carruthers (8:16) and William Barnes (8:18). Harris Robertson was the only Under-9 Boy to compete and his 8:29 clocking was another excellent effort. Jack Morrison (8:51) seemed to take the test in his stride ahead of further gritty runs from Rory Meyler (9:00), Fraser McDonald (9:59), Hugo Maddox (10:55) and Tom Forde (12:07).

The Under-11 Girls were headed home by some strong running from Lila Robertson (9:01) and Annie Arnott (9:02) in the closest finish of the day. Iona Clark (11:12) looked strong throughout her run and Ruth Thomas (12:08) should also be proud of her effort.

The Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17 athletes were set a tough test of some 1.4 miles which saw Under-15 athlete Joel Gillan (8:52) underlining his early season form to take the win. Ben Homncik (10:28) also finished well in the Under-15s while Louis Rodger (21:40) found the hills tough in his first ever cross country. As expected the Under-17 Men finished well up with Ollie Mawby (9:19) and Conall Paterson (9:36) proving their fitness. Thomas Arnott (9:36) had an excellent run to head home the Under-13 Boys while both Matthew Inman (11:00) and Zackary Walker (12:07) should have gained confidence from their runs.

It was Under-15 Emily Stanford (9:28) who headed home the Girls race with another fine effort while Fia Watkin (11:21), Ella Tanner (11:58), Evie Low (11:59) and Nora Thompson (13:16) all showed the strength in depth of this age group. The Under-13 Girls proved the most competitive of the day with Esti Arkotxa (11:51) showing great promise ahead of determined runs from Nicole Taylor (11:55) and Emie Smith (12:09). Jessica Walker (13:14) came through well leading in a group of Olivia Denholm (13:15), Sophia McMahon (13:17), Summer Johnston (13:19), Briony MacKinnon (13:24), Emily Watkin (13:26) and Charlotte Stevenson (14:46).

Full results are in the spreadsheet below.

The Race Series now moves on to the Laigh Hills Park in Dunblane on Saturday 23 December with registration from 10:30am and warm-up at 11am.