Dunbartonshire Cross Country Relays

Bronze for Westies at the DAAA Relays

Results | Photos

For the first time in living memory, Westerlands picked up a team prize at the Dunbartonshire Cross Country Relays.

I set off on Leg 1 as fast as humanly possible, attempting to stay up with Ben Melby of Garscube for as long as possible. This lasted for about 100 metres before I was running out of steam, but I battled on in 2nd place until a young Clydesdale runner went past on the first hill. I then held off the challenge from Dumbarton for as long as I could, but on the first descent the Dumbarton guy got away. After that I dug in to hold 4th spot for the rest of the 1st lap, and the whole of the 2nd lap, with any further challenges fading away. I passed over to Owen O’Neill who flew after and quickly caught the Dumbarton vest, but perhaps over-cooked the first lap and never quite caught the Clydeside runner on the 2nd lap, and also got passed by VPCoG, so Owen handed over in 4th position to new signing Sam Alexander, who set off at blistering pace after Gerry Montgomery of Clydesdale on Leg 3.

Sam’s 30 year age advantage over Gerry paid dividends with Sam handing over in a comfortable 3rd spot. Now it was just down to Ken Macmahon to put in decent shift which he managed with a superb solid run to extend our lead over Clydesdale and to clinch bronze!

Well done to the 2nd men’s team of Johnston, Don and John Quinn, especially JQ who ran twice when Gibby didn’t turn up.

And well done to the ladies Ellie, Pauline and Pat, especially Ellie who ran the fastest senior ladies leg, despite feeling awful with a cold and nearly not running at all.

A Team
1. Chris, 14:44
2. Owen, 15:26
3. Sam, 14:44
4. Ken, 15:00

B Team
1. Don, 16:08
2. John Quinn, 16:24
3. Johnston, 17:09
4. JQ2, 17:08

Women
1. Ellie, 16:39
2. Pauline, 19:19
3. Pat, 22:08