Kate Paul, “tenth-fastest leg overall in a time of 13:29.” Image: Strathclyde Harriers

By Isabella Ogg

Saturday 10th October marked the start to the cross-country season for Strathclyde Harriers. The West District Relays, held at Ayrshire Athletics Arena in Kilmarnock, brought together clubs from across the region, with athletes competing on the 3.5km course for district honours. Strathclyde University Harriers enjoyed a number of strong performances throughout the day, showcasing the club’s depth of talent across the senior ranks.

The girls’ A team delivered an impressive performance to secure 6th place out of 67 teams. Kate Paul set the team off to a flying start, recording the tenth-fastest leg overall in a time of 13:29. She was followed by athlete Skye Marshall, who clocked 14:18 before Kirsty Rankine brought the team home with a strong final leg of 14:19, both girls finishing in 23rd and 24th place.

The Strathclyde women’s B team also enjoyed a successful outing, finishing in 34th place in a stacked field. Anna Cruden, Ruth Christmas and Lexie Speirs combined to secure another top 40 finish for the club.

Great performances continued in the men’s teams. Harriers A team managed to secure 5th place overall out of a vast 83 teams. Ben Seath, who strongly ran 11:25 and came 12th place overall, Iain Jordan, running 11:10 and impressing in the 3rd fastest leg of the day, Andrew Grant, crossing the line in a quick 12:13, and Archie Watters, who also finished in 12:13.

Following these stand-out performances, the men’s B team also managed to gain success for the harriers despite not having a complete team of 4. Collaboratively, Jamie Work, who ran the 24th fastest leg in the field, Joshua Mirtle, and Christopher Boyle produced a fine result, representing the club well.

Overall, the West District Relays proved to be a successful start to the cross-country season for Strathclyde University Harriers, with strong performances across both the men’s and women’s teams. With top-six finishes for the A teams and encouraging displays throughout the squad, the club will look to build on this momentum as the season progresses.