Borders runners Master the challenge at National level

The event featured two races, with the women (W40 and above) and men (M65 and above) racing over 6km, followed by men (M40 to M60) racing over 8km.

Although both races were completed before the full effect of the forecast storms were seen, a mixture of an undulating course, with heavy underfoot conditions in parts and a stiff breeze, meant for a tough challenge.

Runners were eligible for individual medals in five-year age categories and also team medals in either the 40-50 age category or 50 years and above.

Gala Harriers fielded teams in both the women’s team categories and were desperately unlucky to miss out on the medal positions, finishing fourth team overall in both categories.

Katy Barden raced strongly, spending the whole race in touch with the leading groups, eventually to finish 13th overall and seventh W40.

Julia Johnstone also ran impressively for 45th overall, 13th W45, with Gillian Duncan completing the team in a brave run despite carrying an injury (67th overall, 19th W45).

The W50+ team for Gala Harriers ran an excellent race, missing team bronze by only a few points.

Lindsay Dun and Carole Fortune supported each other well, racing in close contact throughout and finishing 55th overall (7th W50) and 56th overall (5th W55), respectively.

Eilleen Maxwell finished close behind in 85th overall (ninth W55) to complete the team.

Four runners were required to count in the men’s M40-M50 team competition, with Gala Harriers eventually placing a creditable seventh.

The team was led home by Graeme Murdoch (36th overall, 19th M40) and Gary Trewartha (41st overall, 21st M40).

Sprinting together down the finishing straight were Magnus Inglis (120th overall, 38th M40) and Colin McCall (122nd overall, 34th M45) to complete the team placings.

Bob Johnson ran a typically strong race in the M60 category to finish 135th overall, 13th M60.

All athletes were congratulated afterwards for a strong performance.

Attention now turns to the National Cross-Country Championships which take place later this month in Falkirk.