Kilbarchan Harrier retains cross country trophy

Feb 12 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

PAISLEY’S veteran runner Robert Quinn has successfully retained his Scottish Masters Cross Country Championship.

The evergreen Kilbarchan Harrier covered the Irvine course in 31mins 12secs, finishing around 100 metres ahead of his closest challenger.

Cambuslang Harriers did win the team race, however, with Kilbarchan in second place, with Robert being supported by Tom Hearle in 15th spot, James Snodgrass, who was 20th, and John McMillan who crossed the line in 26th place.

Jim McMillan, meanwhile, showed that he is still going strong by winning the over-65 age category in the fine time of 42mins 46secs.

The Renfrewshire Road Race Championships at Greenock, were dominated by Kilbarchan athletes, who won several individual and team titles.

Elspeth Curran won the Women’s race in 29mins 8secs, with Leanne Hamilton second in 29mins 47secs and, with Karen Yule in 7th place, Kilbarchan won the team award.

In the Men’s race, Derek Hawkins was second in the Championship, timed at 24mins 37secs, and supported by Fraser Williams in 6th, Scott Hawkins in 10th, Donald Petrie in 21st, Nick Emsley in 29th and Gordon Gallacher in 40th, Kilbarchan won a closely contested team competition.

Callum Hawkins was a clear winner of the under-17 men’s race in 15mins 24secs, with Graham Evans third and, in the under-15 boys’ race, Russell Mountford was a close second in 10mins 24secs.

Kilbarchan girls dominated the under 15-girls’ race with a 1-2-3 finish from Jenny Eadie, Elaine Eadie and Emma Haddock.

And in the under-13 girls’ event, Kirsty Harper was second in the County event, with Gwen Gillham third and Kathryn Lee sixth – and the trio won the team race.

It was also a team success for the under-13 boys’, with Euan Gillham, Rorie Tracey and Callum Matthews finishing second, third and fourth respectively.

The under-11 age group races continued the pattern, with Scott McLardie second in the boys’ race and well supported by David Collins and Euan McKerral.

For the girls, Caitlin McStay was second and was closely supported by Rebecca Craig and Stephanie McStay for more gold team medals.