Scottish Cross-country Championships
Wednesday 22nd March 2017150 BB young people aged 11 to 18 from have competed at The 79th Annual Cross-Country Championships in Glasgow’s Bellahouston Park on Saturday 18th March.
150 runners competed on the day from 12 Boys’ Brigade Scotland Battalions in three separate races in what turned out to be very challenging weather conditions.
Brodie Aitken (representing Airdrie, Coatbridge & District) clinched the Junior title in 09:21; Jonathon Houson (representing the East Ayrshire team) won the Intermediate race with a time of 12:16; and James Gillon (representing Wishaw & District) took the Senior individual title with a time of 19:05.
After crossing the finish line, Brodie said:
“It’s brilliant to have won the race. I’ve come second and third before so to win this time is great. I love running – and especially competing against runners from across the country.”
The event was coordinated and hosted by Glasgow Battalion.
Jim McVean, Battalion Secretary, said:
“My thanks go to everyone who helped make the championships such a success. In particular, the support from Bellahouston Harriers and our team of Battalion volunteer Leaders made a huge difference.
“Although the weather conditions posed an extra challenge, the young athletes showed great determination and competitiveness.”
Alan Hunter, acting Director of The Boys’ Brigade in Scotland, who also attended said:
“What a great day we had in Glasgow as members from across Scotland came together for the championships. In our programmes we have a strong focus on supporting and promoting active and healthy lifestyles so to see so many young people getting involved to compete is extremely encouraging.
“Like all of our events, whether it’s sport or music, the level of performance was simply outstanding. The focus, determination and hard work put in by all really make the championships something special and having this event gives us the opportunity to celebrate this success. It was also a great chance for families, friends and other spectators to head along and show their support for what the young BB members have achieved.”
The event started in 1938 with a senior race between Edinburgh, Leith and Kirkcaldy. The 2018 race will be hosted by Paisley & District Battalion.
The National Cross Country Championships now provides one of the few occasions in which large groups of BB members from all over Scotland can get together annually.
Photographs from the day are available here https://flic.kr/s/aHskSMrxF1 Team representatives have a full list of the results.
Tags: cross-country
