HAYLODGE Park at Peebles was the setting for the final round of the Borders Cross Country series which took place on the last Sunday in February.
After the coldest winter in 30 years it was a great relief for the series to be safely completed with all six rounds taking place with only one postponement.
The final day was blessed with fine calm weather for running although a number of compet
itors encountered the almost obligatory snow shower en route to the event.
Underfoot conditions were also near perfect for the race which takes in the riverside paths through woods along both sides of the Tweed. The half way distance is marked by a steep climb up a grassy field then the inward half is a nice steady descent through the woods to the finish.
In the junior's race Lauderdale's Adam Craig took first place four seconds ahead of Edinburgh's Ruaridh Miller in 8 minutes and 27 seconds. Rowan Marr from Gala Harriers was third in 8.49. First female junior was Louise Mercer from Gala Harriers in 9.13.
In the senior race Corstorphine's Keith Hood showed his class by wining in 23.46, over 41 seconds ahead of James Harrison from Portobello Running Club who finished in 24.27. Corstorphine's Christopher O'Brien was third in 24.28. Another Corstorphine runner, Grant Willkie, was first M40 and 5th overall in 24.41.
First M50 was local runner Russell Anderson from Moorfoot club who was 28th overall in 27.56. First female and 33rd overall was Scout Adkin in 28.21.
Norham Running Club members taking part were Tim McCall 31st in 28.15, Allan Macaulay 84th in 32.48 and Doug Small 109th in 35.20.
The end of season awards were presented after the races at the Gytes Leisure Centre. Keith Hood took the series title with three race wins out of six over the series. Fellow Corstorphine runner Christopher O'Brien was second with another Corstorphine runner Grant Willkie taking third overall.
In the female category Moorfoot's Scout Adkin was first overall with club mate Carol Moss second. Corstorphine's Gillian Carr was third female. Corstorphine AAC took the team prize with Moorfoot Runners second with Portobello RC third
Norham Running Club runners were very supportive of the series and turned in some fine performances. Top finisher was Keith Lyall who was second in the highly competitive M45 category and sixth overall. Tim McCall continued to improve and was tenth in the M45 category, with Doug Small 22nd in the same category. Mike Jones had another strong season finishing 15th in the M40 category. There was a great Norham tussle in the M50 category with Rob Stankiewicz 12th, John Pig 13th, Allan Macaulay 14th and Paul Marynicz 28th. Les Turnbull was seventh in M55 category.
In the female section Caroline Tyser had a steady season to finish 20th overall, Adrienne Little 26th and Hannah Humphreys 50th overall.
Overall the series proved to be a resounding success with 285 seniors and 78 juniors competing over the season. All venues are proving to be extremely popular with runners appreciating the variety of each race route and the off course friendliness and camaraderie at each race.
