Ronhill Cambuslang Harriers ::Road Racing and Cross Country::

UK Cross Country Challenge in Gateshead report by Stuart G. It all started on Friday, departing the sports club around 5pm. One minibus and a few cars zoomed on their way. The other minibus, 30 minutes in, stopped at Abington services to allow some passengers a comfort break then never got going again. Gear stick problems, it wouldn't click in. A vehicle cannot go anywhere stuck in neutral. Not to worry, a phone call to Mitchells promised a replacement bus in 60-90 minutes. In we went for dinner and refreshments. 3 hours later, presumably after having his tea, a shower, shave and quick pint along the way, the recovery driver arrived to greet the 12 under 16s and 5 adults (myself, Andrew Coulter, Jimmy Sands, Jim and Owen) who had by now been waiting for 3 hours on a cold, dark night in November. We finally arrived at our destination at 11.30pm to greet the others.

However, a couple of drinks in the bar and a great 9 hours sleep later with an extra quilt and pillow taken from the spare bed, I was refreshed. With my race not until 2.25pm, I indulged in the breakfast buffet while Carol Anne, Charlie and a few others took those racing early on to the course next to Gateshead Stadium. I left with the second wave at 11.30am, arriving in time to see the senior women 8km. Walking around the 2km circuit to see what lay in store, I got a good view of Stephanie Twell's victory and Morag MacLarty's brave attempt
to keep pace before fading to 11th. Others seen were Jack Brown's 5th place in the veterans 8km and Andrew Coulter's excellent run in the junior race. The under 15 girls 4km set off before me.

My time eventually came, 9km ahead. Looking at the field, it was the first time in many years I had lined up wondering if there was anyone there I could beat. I exchanged pleasantries with Lewis Millar of Central before the gun set us off. Head down and do your best was the tactic. One small lap done, we headed to the 4 x 2km circuits. I kept pace with Millar for a spell then he gradually pulled away. The previous 10 races rendered the course a mud soaked, hilly quagmire. By the 3rd lap, I was in no man's land with motivation coming only from the voice in my head saying "keep at it" and the club personnel dotted round the course. Finishing provided a lot of satisfaction but physically and mentally, this was the toughest race I have done in years. It's quite galling to have done sub 6 minute miling in cross country and find yourself in the bottom third, 50th out of 65. Up ahead, Mike Skinner edged out Tewelde of Shettleston to win. The 4 Eritreans lined up. One didn't finish. In between warming down and cleaning up, I caught sight of Andrew Hunter and Jack Hamilton in the under 17 8km.

The evening brought the Metro Centre. Firstly, a few headed for an all you can eat Chinese buffet. I don't need asked twice at these sort of things. Thereafter, we mustered at the amusements which included dodgems. I occupied myself trying to win cuddly toys in the games machines. I changed direction and targeted a 1kg bar of Dairy Milk. 4 attempts at £1 each and it was mine. I finally had a prize to take home. I was very popular thereafter. Later on, it was back to the hotel where the adults perched in the bar and the weans chilled out.

Sunday brought an easy run for most. I forced myself out for 30 minutes then tucked into the breakfast buffet again. The rest ate first, relaxed for a bit then headed out. It was homeward bound at 12 noon, no hiccups this time.

Overall, an excellent weekend. The race was a terrific experience. I might try the same again next year, in fact, I may do more than one in the UK series. The results on the main website will hopefully show we have a great bunch of young athletes. Having spent 3 days in their company, I know that's the case.