Clean sweep for Gala juniors at Borders XC

Not only did their course showcase the Berwickshire countryside beautifully, more importantly it also challenged and stretched the runners, making them think, as they traversed the varied terrain.

Eighty-four juniors lined up on the start line and, in the boys race, it was a clean sweep for Gala Harriers with Callum Tharme putting in a sound run to take a well-earned first place in 12.35, with the Kursheed brothers, Faisal and Yousuf, taking second (12.43) and third (12.45) spots respectively.

The girls race was also very closely contested with Katie Johnson of Edinburgh Athletic Club crossing the line in 14.15, just ahead of team-mate Emma Johnson (14.21). Gala Harrier Elena Heger was third girl home in 14.52. In the seniors race it was a triumph for Lauderdale Limpers with Mark Sutherland dominating a strong field of 166 runners to take the spoils in 26.07, a mere seven seconds ahead of Carnethy’s Michael Reid with Keith Hood (Corstorphine AAC) in third.

First senior lady to finish in 30.13 was Rachel Haines of Hunters Bog Trotters, followed by Gala Harriers’ Fiona Dalgleish (31.27) and Anya Campbell (32.22) in second and third respectively.

The Borders XC Committee wish all runners a very Merry Christmas and hope to see everyone at the fifth leg, hosted by Norham Running Club at Paxton House, on Sunday 10 January before the series concludes on Sunday February 14 with the Presentation Leg hosted by Gala Harriers.