Cross country running is almost always character building and conditions in Fintry, on Sunday 11 January, underlined that with near freezing temperatures, driving rain and hard underfoot conditions. Each of the fourteen athletes deserved a medal just for fronting up to the challenge. Derek Easton once again led the warm-up, which, in the prevailing weather, probably just made everyone colder and wetter, including Derek and his band of helpers.
To the amazement of the watching supporters, all of the runners came through the approximately 1 mile challenge with flying colours and few complaints, testament indeed to their hardiness.
Emily Watkins, fresh from her ventures in an East of Scotland vest the previous day, came home first in a tasty time of 5 minutes 23 seconds to lead home another fine effort from Nicole Taylor (6:05) as second Under-15 Girl. Lila Robertson continues to impress and here led the Under-13 Girls with a 6:15 effort. The Under-11 Girls were well represented and here it was Annabel Morrison who flashed through the finish with 6:50, closely followed by further strong runs from Kate Logan (6:52) and Niamh Hastie (7:35). Alice Mitchell continues to impress and here took the Under-9 honours with a 7:35 timing. It was great to see Norah Thompson again battling the elements to show her ‘can do’ attitude coming home as the only Under 17 on show with 8:16.
The Boys race saw the ever impressive Harris Robertson finish with an excellent 5:30, an impressive time for an Under-11 Boy. The Under-13 Boys was a more contested age group and here Brody Scanlon once again prevailed with a tasty 5:48 effort. Finlay Gallagher was only a few steps behind to again underline his promise with a 5:56 effort. Seonaidh Logan strode confidently to the finish with an another impressive run of 6:07 ahead of other fine performances from Rory Meyler (6:26) and Jack Morrison (6:43).
A massive thank you to David Eckersley for organising the venue and to Derek Easton, Allan Gall and Hugh Buchanan for their efforts in the face of difficult conditions. Also to the recorders who ensured everything was ‘done proper’.