‘Habbie’ Hawkins runs into history at Home Countries International

Mar 21 2012 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

KILBARCHAN athlete Derek Hawkins helped Scotland claim the Home Countries International Cross Country title in Glasgow for the first time since the event started in 1903.

‘Habbie’ Hawkins won the individual gold in a totally dominant performance in the senior men’s race.

And good places for Ross Houston and Alex Hendry edged England out.

England have won the Senior Men’s title every time the event, first staged in Hamilton at the turn of the 20th century, has been staged.

But, this time, the trophy stayed in Scotland following the event in the sunshine at Rouken Glen Park in Glasgow.

Happy Hawkins, the current Scottish Cross Country champion, said: “It is brilliant to have achieved that and we are all absolutely delighted.

“It means a lot to the boys.”

Elderslie based Hawkins made it a personal hat-trick in recent race victories, as he added the Home Countries International title to the Scottish he won in Falkirk and then the Cupar five-mile title win.