Lewis and Harris XC Series 2011-12

Saturday 12 November 2011

Sponsored by Alex Murray Construction

VIew more of Gavin's photos on Picassa

View Race Results

RECORD ENTRY AT AMC X COUNTRY

The commitment of long term sponsors Alex Murray Construction to the Lewis and Harris Cross Country Series was mirrored in success with the largest entry to date in this winters opening race! A total of one hundred and ninety eight runners took part in all age groups, abilities and reasons for running included!

In the opening race for senior ladies and men the entry was greatly boosted by the local Muay Thai Boxers looking to improve strength, conditioning and stamina by completing the 6.4 route. The distance was made up of a two lap course from the Castle Green, along the Bayhead River embankment, round the rugby field and back around the muddy paths of the old Castle Gardens. A very undulating course with all sorts of underfoot surfaces and certainly a great way of improving your fitness, with two more races in the series why not come and give it a go? You may be the next roadrunner convert!

At the front of the field there was an excellent demonstration of off-road running by Iain McCorquodale running in the famous Cambuslang Harriers vest on his favourite surface. Throughout the 6.5K Iain ran away from the field to win in a great time of 23minutes 53 with SRAC’s Murdo MacKenzie making a welcomed returning from injury running steadily to claim second place. Roddy Gillies was less than a minute behind MacKenzie in third, a good result for the offshore worker whose training is mainly on machines in the gym, Roddy was first veteran! Placing well for the Muay Thai Boxers was coach Norrie MacKenzie in a very credible fourth. Carly Dicks won the ladies race over Jayne Millar and Sally Reynolds.

There were a lot of fine performances throughout the junior races and very good representation from schools from Harris to Ness! Event organisers Stornoway R&AC were particularly pleased to see a “new” school in Sgoil am Rubha participating in good numbers and wearing new athletics vests. Perhaps some friendly rivalry may build up with their Broadbay neighbour’s Back who have had good success in cross country in recent events? The combining of the  three old Point schools certainly appears to be opening up new avenues for team sport participation from the Rhu!

From a club perspective there were good runs from a number of runners and the boy’s quartet of Connor MacLean, Jamie Sullivan, Kenneth MacSween and Michael MacMillan would be hopeful to continue “in form” runs at this weekends North Championships in Forres.

In summation the AMC X Country Series 2011-12 got off to a flyer in all respects, the event of course needed plenty of volunteer help. So, thanks to the SRAC membership, committee and parents of junior members for helping in the great success of the day. Will race 2 on January 14th break through the 200 entries? Full race results can be seen here.

A Tupper.