Cross country racers feel the burns in the Glen

North District League cross country running returned to Lochaber for the first time in 14 years on Saturday.

An uphill slog for runners in the adult race. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos

Glen Nevis proved a tough cross country course with hill climbs and burn crossings.

Participants aged from nine to 60, took part in the first league race of the season with clubs from all parts of the Highlands and Islands and from much of Grampian joining the Lochaber Athletic Club (LAC) athletes who were hosting the event.

Carys Rodgers led the Under 11 girls to a second equal place. Photograph: Philip Hughes.

The LAC Under 11 girls team ran 1,500 metres and were the second equal with Carys Rodgers seventh in eight minutes 51 seconds and good placings by Emily Barker, 11th; Mairi Monk, 15th; Nuala MacDonald, 16th; Eilidh Lander, 17th, and Alice Lynch, 18th.

Kai Tresidder battled with the winner all the way in the Under 11 Boys race. Photograph: Philip Hughes.

The Under 11 boys, with seven runners, were first with Kai Tresidder battling with the winner all the way and only being pipped by four seconds in 7:35. Toby Smith ran a good race and was just two seconds behind Kai in 7:37. Alisdair Cant was sixth in 7:48 with good running by Jethro Murray, 11th; Charlie Varley, 12th, and Caoimh Bellshaw, 13th.

Lily Cant was first Under 13 girl. Photograph: Philip Hughes.

The Under 13 girls team tackled the gruelling 3,500m course and were second with Lily Cant enjoying the longer distance to take a first place with determined running in 14:30 with Lia Marsh, 9th, and Anna Rowentree, 11th.

Aaron Tresidder took the title in the Under 13s boys race. Photograph: Philip Hughes.

Aaron Tresidder took an early lead in the Under 13 age group race and took the win in 15:40. Archie MacDonald was fourth in 17:15, meaning the boys team finished first equal.

Isla Cant represented LAC in the Under 15s Girls race. Photograph: Philip Hughes.

David Rodgers leads the pack in the Under 15s Boys event. Photograph: Philip Hughes.

Solo runners for Lochaber in the Under 15 age race were Isla Cant who was third in the 5,000 metre course in 23:05 and David Rodgers who came third in the boys’ race in 23:07.

Lochaber senior men were not regarded as one of the pre-race favourites but took a historic team win on the 8,500m course with four runners in the top ten: Denis Prikulis, 5th, in 34:37; James McCourt, 6th, in 34:49, Ruaridh Oliver-Jones, 7th, in 35:10 and Es Tresidder, who was also second veteran, 8th, in 35:22.

They were backed up by Fraser MacKenzie, 18th; Ruaridh MacKenzie, 21st; Lochaber running legend Douglas Runcieman making a welcome return to action, 26th; Nick Sedgwick, 31st; Donnie Lamont, 34th; Hugh MacIntosh, 38th; Fraser Cameron, 40th; Gary Campbell, 41st, and Robert McClymont, 64th.

LAC women were fifth team with all runners well placed. Bronagh Wishart, 10th, in 43:23; Isla Mackay, returning from injury, 14th; Michaela Kennedy, 18th; Lucy Prins, 25th; Mairin-Rua Ni-Aodha, 28th, and Shelley MacGillvary, 31st.

Adult winner, Ross Gollan of East Sutherland AC. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos.

The overall winner on the day was Ross Gollan of East Sutherland AC, while Katie Anderson, Moray, won the overall female race.

Thanks went to the GFG Alliance Visitor Centre, farmers and volunteers for their support.

Young racers crest the hill. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos.

Featured image: The winner of the race and first Lochaber runner to finish make a strong start. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos. NO_F44_LochaberAthleticClub_23_NorthDistrictCrossCountry_AdultsRace 06