Photo by Bobby Gavin
*Note: this is a quick report and subject to further checks and additional photos.
Parkrun events the length and breadth of Scotland – and across the wider UK – were cancelled as winter’s icy grip took hold.
It denied many their Saturday morning run so it was absolutely brilliant to deliver the Scottish Inter District XC at Alexandra Park in Glasgow.
If true grit was required simply to navigate the roads and pavements close to the venue without misadventure then it was a real pleasure to watch sure-footed Jamie Crowe and Naomi Lang claim superb victories in the Senior races.
Across eight races, hundreds of athletes took on a tough course in tricky conditions with the hilly golf course beside the M8 motorway always presenting a challenge regardless of the weather.
So the over-riding emotion was one of our #SALtogether ethos prevailing with a huge thank you to athletes, volunteers, team managers and of course our Officials.
Jamie’s win was his fourth in a row in this event as he represented Scotland East with his Central AC team-mate, Hamish Hickey, taking silver. Scotland West’s Tom Spencer took a fine third place.
‘Those hills four times is hard enough,’ smiled Jamie, who led East to team golds.
‘It was ok underfoot and maybe being the last race ensured it had softened up a wee bit.
‘I am delighted to win this one again after a strong 10k road run over the Christmas holidays. I’ve had a sustained spell of training and I honestly feel as fit as I ever have at the moment.’
The Inter-District champion has more cross country on his mind with Central AC in the European Club Cross Champs and then the Lindsays National XC at Falkirk looms large.
Naomi Lang mentioned Falkirk as an early 2026 target, too, after her fine in a classy Senior Women’s race at the top end.
Representing Scotland West via Glasgow Uni, Naomi held off a strong last lap run from Morag Millar to win.
In fact, there were three former National XC or Short Course XC winners immediately following home the champion via Morag, Scout Adkin and Nancy Scott.
‘Yes, I was well aware of the quality of opposition and I’m really pleased to win a race with those athletes involved,’ smiled Naomi.
‘I’ve never won the Inter District XC before and it has been good to do some cross country this winter. I will be at Falkirk and the atmosphere at the National XC is always so good and makes it a memorable day.’
Naomi led the West women to team race victory.
U17 Men’s medallists
At U17 level, there were Inter District race wins for Louie Muir (West) and Millie Gairns (West)
The other U17 Men’s medallists were Billy Sutherland (North) and Daibhidh Kinnaird (West).
The other U17 Women’s medallists were Cerys Wright (East) and Holly Simpson (West). In that race, there were fine runs for open race medals for Emily Atkinson and Eilidh Dallas.
West won both of the U17 races.
East won three of the four races in the two younger age groups with West winning the U13 Boys team golds.
At U15 level, there were Inter District golds for Luca Anderson (East) and Lucia Connel (East)
The other U15 Boys medallists were Tom Ibbs and Jack Foley in an East clean sweep. The other U15 Girls medallists were Nina Clark (West) and Emily Taylor (East). Aberdeen’s Rachel Fitzpatrick had a fine run in second place.
At U13 level, there were Inter District golds for Alfie Whyte (West) and Millie Glass-Park (East).
The other U13 Boys medallists were Christopher Cameron (West) and Louis Reid (West). The other U13 Girls medallists were Gabi Whyte (East) and Abbie Boyle (West).
U17 Women’s medallists
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Tags:
Alexandra Park, Inter-District XC, Jamie Crowe, Naomi Lang