Scottish runners dominate on home soil at the latest British Athletics Cross Challenge
On November 11, athletes from across the UK gathered in Glasgow for the third event of the UK Athletics Cross Challenge at Alexandra Park.
Competing in cold, snowy conditions, runners not only battled each other, but also the tough, hilly terrain of the golf course venue as the event doubled up as the Scottish Inter-District Championships.
Jamie Crowe from Central AC entered the senior men’s race as the defending champion after winning last year’s Challenge fixture in Renfrew and hoped to claim a victory after finishing 11th at the Liverpool Cross in November.
The 8km course, which featured three tough laps, saw the lead pack stay together until the final stages, where Crowe made his move to pull away and secure the title.
Aidan Thompson, Crowe’s training partner, finished in second place, while Cameron Allan of Houghton Harriers took third.
Aidan Thompson, Jamie Crowe & Cameron Allan (Bobby Gavin)
Reflecting on his win, Crowe said: “It was tough conditions out there with how cold it is, the ground being really hard, and there was tough competition as well. It came down to the last kilometre so I’m happy to get the win.
“The first two laps I was getting used to what it looked like and I figured out which bits I felt best at which was the climb of the hill and the sharp corners. With one lap to go I pushed on from there and I was lucky enough to get a gap so I didn’t have to sprint finish because my legs were going.”
Lynn McKenna of Shettleston took control of the senior women’s race, pulling ahead of her rivals, including Morag Miller from Central AC and Mountain World Cup champion Scout Adkin from Moorfoot who finished second and third, respectively.
As she entered the final lap of the course, McKenna pushed ahead decisively, claiming the win. Her performance came just a week after setting a new personal best of 9:25.07 in the 3000m at the Scottish Indoor 3000m championships.
McKenna told Scottish Athletics, “I have run this course before and I knew the hills suit my strengths, so I knew if I was in the lead pack, I could see where I was after a lap or two. I felt quite strong, so I pushed it on, and no one stayed with me this time, so it paid off.
“I never take for granted who is in the race with me, and I give everyone the respect they deserve. These girls have loads of experience, so to get the win today is very special.”
Lynn…
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