Stornoway Running and Athletics Club

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SRAC Gazette

Lewis & Harris Cross Country Series 2003/2004

Lews Castle Grounds - 17th January 2004 Results

The final race of the Angus MacIver Decochip sponsored Lewis and Harris Cross Country series took place in the Lews Castle Grounds last Saturday. Once again there was a very encouraging entry with over one hundred entrants enjoying the challenge of a fairly tough course in excellent running conditions. The mass of spectating parents, relatives, friends and school teachers also enjoyed the dry but cold conditions as race after race set up head to head encounters that would determine the over all winners of the 03 / 04 season.

The first race of the day was the combined senior and under 17’s race over a distance of 6000m. After a slow start the pace soon quickened as Murdo Alex MacKenzie and Ross Munro stretched the rest of the pack, going through the first 1500m lap in just under 6 minutes. Making a welcome return to the “country” was Jason MacLean who along with Roddy Gillies stayed closest to the front two. However it was Gillies that eventually placed third ahead of Jason by just 10 seconds, but Jason will no doubt be pleased to place second in the under 17’s category with little stamina training. SRAC’s under 17 men are this seasons District winning team, who work and train as a team will no doubt be pleased by the return of Jason. Roddy Gillies had a strong run to place second in the men’s event and therefore took the title of overall winner for this season. Making his debut on grass (that is while not chasing a ball) was Neil MacRury who looked comfortable while finishing in third place, after his year on the roads he may well now be a “country” convert!

The first of the junior races was the under 15 and 13 combined event which provided great entertainment value for the large crowd gathered on the Castle Green. Jim Keenan who has yet to loose this season at home or on the mainland took control of the race adding another win to his list. But the ever improving Andrew MacKenzie is getting closer each race, his determination to keep “having a go” against one of the countries best is no doubt bringing big improvement to his running. MacKenzie should be one to look out for on the track this summer season.

Another of SRAC’s runaway District Champions Eilidh MacKenzie was un challenged in her under 15’s race, but in the combined event her run was good enough to place third overall! Hopefully SRAC will report more success for Keenan and the “Mackenzies’ “ after they take part in the Inter District Championships this Saturday!

Sandwickhill’s Jane MacIver ran a fantastic race to win the under 13 girls race while still young enough to take part in the under 11’s category! Her performance took her to a one-point difference with eventual series winner CJ MacPhail who finished third equal with Karina Murray. Shona Campbell who had been disappointed in picking up an injury the previous week while warming up for a race and therefore unable to compete, ran a fine race to take second place in a very good time. Her second place was not the only success of the day for Harris as a further four top three places went “over the Clisham” in the five remaining categories.

Calum Smith edged SRAC club buddy Grant Stewart of Bayble into second place for a clean sweep of wins in this years series, but write Grant off at you peril in the upcoming Inter District or Western Isles races. (It’s very likely that they will also face strong opposition from the Uist’s at the Western Isles race.)

Back who won the team prize in this category has a good number of runners and Martin MacLean was their top performer taking third place. (Could he be SRAC’s missing 3rd team runner?)

There was more Harris success in the under 11 girls race as Samantha Martin improved on her previous race to win with a six second advantage over Sandwickhill’s Holly MacIver.

Stornoway Primary’s Calum Robertson also had a clean sweep of wins to take the under 11’s race in just over seven minutes, eleven seconds ahead of Tolsta’s Sean MacLeod while third place went to Kieran Mulhearn of Sir E Scott school who was having his first run in this seasons series.

Tolsta School were the real success this year with twins Catriona and Sarah MacKay finishing first and second respectively and led the school to the team prize. Rebecca Munro of Laxdale place third, nine seconds behind to finish second overall in the series with Catriona coming out winner.

Tolsta also featured strongly in the boy’s under 9’s race. There was an excellent run for first, second and third in this race as the time difference was only ten seconds. But the strong and determined running of Tolsta’s Campbell MacDonald took the honours on the day, while Stornoway Primary’s Andrew MacMillan’s second place gave him the overall title.

The last of the day’s top placings went to Michael Paton who was competing for the first time this season.

Stornoway Running & Athletics Club would like to thank, Angus MacIver and Sons for sponsoring the event, the Stornoway Trust for not only giving permission to use the Lews Castle Grounds but for their continual assistance to the clubs many events and all the club members and friends that helped to put on the event for the islands youngsters.

SRAC continue to offer training sessions for P4 –Secondary pupils on Saturday mornings meeting, 10.30am - noon at the Bridge Centre. SRAC will also be holding Fun Athletic sessions each Wednesday 6.20 –7.30 at the Sports Centre.

GIRLS UNDER 9 (800m)

BOYS UNDER 9 (800m)

GIRLS UNDER 11 (1500m)

BOYS UNDER 11 (1500m)

GIRLS UNDER 13 (3000m)

BOYS UNDER 13 (3000m)

GIRLS UNDER 15 (4500m)

BOYS UNDER 15 (4500m)

GIRLS UNDER 17 (6000m)

BOYS UNDER 17 (6000m)

SENIOR MEN (6000m)