For the first time in two years, a local cross country meeting was held in Dumfries.
It was organised on Saturday by John Allison, the active schools co-ordinator for Dumfries and Galloway Council and Dumfries Running Club.
Starting from the McLeod Pavilion at Castledykes, each route was carefully chosen to test competitors on the soft ground that was less spongy and boggy than expected after an unusually dry January.
Starting with the under 11s who had a 1.5k lap of the cricket and football pitches, the boys race was won by Josh Stewart of Stewartry who repeated his win from 2020 in 6.50, 30 seconds in front of Callum Padkin with Cobey Stewart third in 7.53.
In the girls race over the same distance Izzy Barbour was two places better off than last time in 7.28, 20 seconds in front of Iona Kellock and Alex Callander was third in 7.47.
In the under 13s who had 2k to run, Zach Barbour was first boy in 8.06, a minute in front of second placed Jack Crosbie.
For the girls, Alexa Swalwell was fastest in 8.13 just in front of Heather Kellock with Sophie Roberts in third place.
In the under 15s over 3k Cameron Robertson had a strong run in 11.46 ahead of Marcus Duncan and Jacob Holden and Skye Rae won the over 17s in 11.45 ahead of Kayla Dinnin who was the first under 15s girl in 12.15, ahead of both Matilda Brockley and Sophie Allison.
In the adult race the wise decision was taken to make males and females run the same distance of loops covering 6.4k and this made for some excellent racing on the firm ground and enhanced the overall performances.
Showing his superb potential, Conan Harper of Annan stepped up from winning the under 15s race in 2020 to lead from the very start over a strong field finishing in 19.50, 30 seconds ahead of Charlie Storrie of Dumfries Running Club with David Parrish third in 22.01.
DRC chairman Alan Baxter in 22.22 was fourth ahead of Davie Houston who himself was only a short distance in front of Graham McLellan in 22.53.
In the women’s race, cross country specialist Nicola Hood of the host club ran very well in 22.56 which was in seventh place overall with Marie Marshall having an excellent run in 24.48.
After the event thanks were given to John Allison and to all helpers who supported, marshalled or officiated and to Myra Smith, the community champion from Morrisons who supplied water and fruit for the post-race refreshments. Further race information can be found at www.dumfriesrunningclub.org.uk
