Lewis and Harris XC Series 2006-07

Sponsored by Alex Murray Construction

The final race in this seasons Alex Murray Construction sponsored Lewis and Harris Cross Country series took place in the Lews Castle Grounds last Saturday in front of a large crowd. Weather conditions were excellent for the spectators and the ground conditions were what cross country running are all about, as any of the parents doing the washing afterwards will attest to!

As in previous years the event was very well attended with over a hundred in all the runs and as much as one hundred and thirty running in one of the three races. Organisers Stornoway Running and Athletics Club (SRAC) were delighted by the growing interest in the event as more schools decided to enter teams in the different age group races. SRAC hopes are that next season even more schools will see this local running event as core to the fitness of their pupils sporting interests and that the number of boys in the older age groups will match the girl’s entry numbers. (Yes boy’s and your team coaches, it will improve fitness and strength to compete in other ball game sports!)

Throughout the series there has been a fine “spirit” in competition between all the runners and those supporting them and fantastic individual and team efforts. The individual efforts were demonstrated by some athletes completing clean sweeps of three first places and in other areas of the field in achievement of completion! Those three times winners were under 9 winner Mairi MacLennan of Back, under 11 boy’s winner Campbell MacDonald, Tolsta, winner’s of under 13 boy’s Robert Jones, Nicolson and under 13 girl’s Holly MacIver, Nicolson, under 15 winner Jane MacIver, Sir E Scott’s under 17 winning pair of Elizabeth Scott and Calum Smith and senior winner Coinneach Morrison. Besides the very talented three time winners, rising athletes from throughout the island competing well, they include to name a few, Peigi McKellar Harris, Leah Duncan Laxdale, Alicia MacSween Lionel, Ross Allison, Mark MacDonald, Michael MacMillan and Beth Gilbert of Stornoway Primary, Isabell Bain and Allison MacInnes of Back and Calum Vann Lionel. Hopefully some of these young talents will steer onto the development path of athletics in the future!

This season’s series was probably best summed up by the final race to decide the girl’s under 11 title. Going into the last race Back’s Isabell Bain had one first place and one second place, while Laxdale’s Leah Duncan had the same score! Only a four second margin separated the girls as they lined up for the decider. Both started very fast pulling away from the field with Beth Gilbert of Stornoway leading the following pack. But in a closely contested race not even the large vociferous Back support were able to prevent the Laxdale runners close win, though Isabell did lead a very good Back school team to victory in the team race! An excellent all round competition!

SRAC thank Stornoway Trust for the use of the grounds for the event, event sponsors for the second year Alex Murray Construction. Woody’s Express, Lewis Crofters and MacAskill’s for providing “shelter” vehicles, all the members, parent helpers and especially our event administrator Adrienne Stewart.

SRAC will be organising transport to the last local cross country event, the Western Isles Championships on Saturday 17th March leaving form the council car park, details will be sent to schools. Or contact srac@srac.org .

Alfie T.

SRAC thank all those taking part and supporting the event, which drew talented youngsters from all parts of the island. Thanks again to all the community and school supervisors that took children to the wonderful Castle Grounds. Thanka to Stornoway Trust, Woody and the Lewis Crofters and sponsor Alex Murray.

Race 3 - Results