The Haries headed to Dundee for the 2019 edition of the Scottish Student Sport Cross Championship, with a record number of Haries signed up, it was bound to be a good one. We were team winners in the male and female races in 2018, and the plan was to defend our titles and that’s what we did!

The girls race got underway and was close at the front the whole way, between Scotland International and Strathclyde’s Kerry MacAngus, our much loved Harie, but not Harie, Holly Little and our very own Constance Nankivell. In the end, the Holly Little made use of her track speed to out-kick her competitors and win in 25.27, and Constance finished in bronze medal position, just 14 seconds behind Holly.

Social sec and previous Harie of the Week, Katie Lowery, produced yet another great performance, finishing in 9^th position in 26.33. She was followed closely by Hannah Morrison, finishing just one second later. This resulted in the girls picking up first team prize, ahead of Aberdeen and Glasgow.

The hares were certainly packing, with Eilidh Jaffray one place and 9 seconds behind Hannah. Rona Tytler finished in 12^th position, securing her Scottish Student’s vest for interdistricts in January. Polly Edwards continued the Harie’s domination finishing in 13^th position in 27.13.

Next up was Carly Cameron, swapping 800m on the track for this hilly, 4 miles of mud, finishing in 27.53 and 19^th position. She was closely followed by Rhiannon Kirk, in 28.06 and Katie Rourke got her cross-country season underway, finishing in 28.19. Jogging sec Catriona Allan followed closely, finishing just over 15 seconds behind.

Next up, was orienteer Niamh Hunter, who finished in 29.05 and Captain Lydia wasn’t far behind, finishing in 32^nd position. Elizia Cottington was next Harie home, in 40^th place. Louise Adams swapped orienteering for cross country, finishing in 31.43. Heather Nichols and Meera Al Omrani finished in 50^th and 51^st and Caitlin Beagan finished in 57^th in 33.11. Lucy Haines rounded off a great day for the Harie girls finishing in 36.33.

On the boys side, Jack Leitch took the race on from the start, putting a bit of a gap into American Kevin Wood; enough of a gap for Jack to cruise to the finish and not push too hard, covering the 6 mile course in 31.45 and taking the gold medal – a very well deserved win. The hounds were packing too, with Callum Tharme, Dan Stansfield and Alex Muir coming home in in 8^th, 9^th and 10^th position, taking the team title over Aberdeen and Glasgow.

Sasha Chepelin wasn’t far behind, opening his cross-country season, finishing in 34 minutes and 7 seconds. Another group of Harie’s; Ali Thomas, Cameron Young and Thomas Otton finished in just over 34 minutes, in 20^th, 21^st and 22^nd place. Captain AJ and Max Bloor weren’t far behind, finishing 34.30 and 34.33 respectively.

Orienteer David Bunn put in another good performance, finishing in 32^nd place and crossed the line with fresher Josh Liddle. Triathlete Lewis Khan had another good run, finishing in 36^th spot. He was followed closely by Kai Hugtenburg – I’ve heard he is backing himself as a good pick for Harie Fantasy League!

The battle of the Marchmont Mandem (@marchmontmandem) was won easily by AJ, but Dan Smith and Paul Morrison were in a fierce battle for next best. Paul started strong but was about to drop out when Dan passed him, but he pushed on and outkicked Dan, finishing just meters ahead of him. They were followed by Nick Bennet, Alasdair Bisset and Cameron Currie. Ifan Oldfield’s illness got the better off him, but he was glad to make it round in one piece, finishing in just over 38 minutes. Irish postgrad Andrew Carrick finished in 38.42 and Conor O’Riordan finished in 81^st place in 41.29.

Biggest kudos of the day goes to Gregor Malcolm (@gregor_malcolm_photography) who was let loose with Dan’s camera for the day – thanks Gregor for the photos! Another big shout out to Elisha de Mello, who despite forgetting to enter the race, still turned up and made a day of it!

Just like Braids, all roads appeared to lead to Exeter on Friday (apart from Mhairi – I was well Jel) with all flights to Bristol cancelled because apparently there was some snow in the south? We didn’t see much…? Anyway 32 Haries braved the 20 hr round trip on the coach which was organised efficiently by the Sports Union and a special shoutout to Katie Hall for taking on the last minute challenge to get us all there! This hard work eventuated into results as Mhairi brought home a podium position to secure 3rd place, whilst Jack Leith had an astonishing run, getting himself all the way up to 28th in the Men’s A race, whilst fierce rival Alex Carcas suffered a slip of the shoe costing him dearly in his XC battle after a good result at Livingston two weeks ago. 

Taking it back a few steps to the bus down which left sharply mid-day Friday after a scramble for most, to get their things together. Meanwhile captain Gregor Malcolm was hard at work getting  his quiz for the bus together (since we were unprepared as I don’t think EasyJet would have appreciated us using their inflight tannoy system…). We also kindly helped out fellow flight stranded BUCS XC’ers Glasgow Caledonia as all 7 of them joined the bus down and the quiz which followed making the 10hr bus feel that little bit faster, arriving at the Travelodge for just gone 00:30. 

Fast forward to race day, on arrival to Bicton College an assessment of the water jump was made after being told that the water jump would be done twice to then become entirely optional for the entire race. This was only taken as a challenge to Maddy Austin as she sized up her attempt at her swan dive into the pond on the rest of her walk around the course. Unfortunately for Matthew Dailey after his walk of the course he made the decision that he wouldn’t take the plunge into what would have been his first BUCS, due to an injury he recently picked up. 

For the rest it was full steam ahead and as the Women’s race quickly got ahead, Mhairi took to the front pack of the field, in what was her last BUCS XC racing for the Haries. She contended with athletes at the front including Jess Judd, Amelia Quirk and Anna Moller. In what was a close fought battle throughout the race for Mhairi to get a well deserved 3rd place. Off the back of some incredibly strong races recently. Not very far behind Mhairi was Holly Page flying around the undulating course to get herself 17th place, averaging 16.6km/h around the course, I’m sure everyone will agree there is much more to come from quite literally record breaking (even breaks the rules for records) Holly as she continues her studies at Edinburgh. Breaking her own expectations after bravely saying in her Harie of the week interview that she was aiming for sub 50th place was Zoe Pflug brining it home in a fantastic 31st position in her first ever BUCS race too. Next Harie to make it back around the hills and over the finishing line, finishing in a strong ??? position was HOTW Amy Frankland (Franko). After already showing her strength in the hills recently she also proved that a hilly finish was no threat for the 4th year Primary Teaching student. Recently coming back from injury and not having been able to get much running done at all before the race was Naomi Lang who still also managed to break the sub 50th position getting herself across the line in 41st place whilst looking very strong running given the lack of training.

Well… “All roads lead to Braids” don’t they? Well they obviously did on Saturday as we saw yet again record numbers for both the 5k and the 10k! The annual runs hosted by the club had  288 finishers in the 5k and 209 10k with some familiar faces in the mix of it all. Including Jacob Adkin which after his very successful Summer running fancied the trip from his new residence in Keswick running for his new club Keswick AC in the 10k. Jacob told me in a short message with him that “it was a real treat of a weekend” and “not only did I lose my Braids Race virginity, but I returned to the finest city to experience the best atmosphere of any event, amongst the best people!”. He also mentioned a Salomon Bell which was used maybe too excessively for some but he was super proud to hear it and all the cheers he had along the course! Another Ex. Harie Beth Hanson was also spotted on the course in Ambleside colours putting in an impressive time of 39:12 which was 1 minute 22 seconds faster than 2015!

Before I go into the real meat of the Haries performances (I’ll get there soon) there has to be a special shoutout to Arianne Holland who despite having many hurdles to overcome with organising the race managed to put on yet another amazing Braids Hills XC Race! And without the work she has done this event wouldn’t have been possible, and I’m sure this wouldn’t have been an easy job juggling the Vet Degree… (However you’ll hear more in her HOTW interview I’m sure #Hype)

Now the results: I know I’m not gonna be able to mention everyone before even looking properly through the results as there was simply so many Haries running! But what’s not to like about that! Good to see you guys all out!

Starting with the 5k Results (cuz everyone knows why do two loops when you can do one…?)

From the results the 5km race was one of strength with 95 runners managing to go under the 20 minute barrier and of those we had 39 who broke the 18 minute Barrier! I’m also happy to report that Alex Carcas was having an absolute stormer – further showing his dominance on Jack Leitch (Who wasn’t even racing… Although Matthew Leitch was in disguise running for Worthing). In second place was Jack Turner from Lancaster University and third place went to Callum Hanson from Newcastle University, who were both also flying coming in at 15:41 and 15:46 respectively on the (just shy of) 5km course. Just 3 seconds behind third though as if by magic was “Mr Bertie” from Sheffield University who despite not having Eykelbosch’s shouting managed to cruise himself into 4th place (a true legend)! However it may have just been Elisha de Mello’s encouragement from behind on his return to running  encouraging Mr Bertie on the hilly course as on his comeback he managed to get a well deserved 5th place. It looks like a midday start time and local race is just what Elisha needs to turn up on time! Still staying in the top 10 we also saw the return of Jack Eykelbosch himself who after a long run of injury that has came, gone, came back again and then now gone as he’s back by the looks of it and lets hope to see this continue and I wish Jack the best of luck as he goes into the final year of his masters! 

Elsewhere there was Oliver Langselius who is on his year abroad with us and hoping for a place at Armagh this year and with a time of 16:43 he’s well on his way to achieving that! Now I’ve heard this boy is good and I feel there is a lot more for him to show us after speaking to him at the social after the event! But maybe he was just running fast because Naked Joe was behind him (if you know you know, you weren’t in danger Oliver…). Speaking of Joe he had a very good run as well, getting his way across the finish line in a time of 16:45 for Aberdeen University. Not sporting his mankini, (Joe would have been proud) but wearing his Harie Potter green glasses was Andrew Lawler. He is still struggling with injury after having his surgery in the summer but the ex. GB internationalist still managed to get a solid finish, finishing in 17:42 tied with Manchester runner Harry Parker (almost potter). 

As the field got more and more packed further down the order we had 4 finishers across the line in a time of 18:13 including last weeks HOTW our treasured Matthew Dailey along with our equally treasured Amy Frankland (Franko). They both crossed the line along with Leeds University runners Jemima Elgood and Andy Williams. Next Harie home was Alex Bell who was struggling with his race getting stuck behind runners as he found the race to be busier than expected, however still thoroughly enjoyed the race (must be still adjusting to life in a city as he’s from IOM…?). 

Other Haries to cross the line under 20 minutes included Rhiannon Kirk, Michiel Kooijman, Polly Edwards, Rona Tyler, Tucker Owens, Laura King and just missing out with a time of 20:01 was Alexandra Kiltie. Not too far behind was also Eve Mackinnon back from her year abroad last year. Chasing each other down to the finish was also Carly Cameron and Josephine Edmunds both having good runs, and were followed closely by Tara Schwarze-Chintapatla.

Also to complete the course was Sally Stewart (21:04), Alastair White (21:12), Abi Plowman (21:15) and Lydia Blythe (21:17) (who is still on her year abroad right now #dedication). We also had a further 21 Harie’s who completed the course, which was a great turnout for the club!

And the 10k Results (10/10 for effort but why two loops…?)

With an impressive looking start list it was looking to be a very interesting race and that it was! Kris Jones was in super shape and established the lead from the offset and now with many titles under his belt it was time for him to secure another Braids Hills XC Race title (that’s better than National XC winner isn’t it?). The course proved not hilly enough for Jacob Adkin tho as 2nd place could not be his as he settled for 3rd place with St. Andrews man Kevin Fulton taking the second spot on the podium. Unfortunately for the “Hare and Hounds” the “Hare(s)” had their first runner home Andrew Merry in 5th place ahead of our Harie Eddie Narbet (or Pedley I’m still unsure), who was continuing his string of good runs on from Scottish Uni’s! There was also Ex. Harie Ewan Davidson chasing him down who is also in top form running for his new club Moray Road Runners, making his name now up in the north, rising to that superior fame that you just can’t find down in Edinburgh (hope you got in the paper this week Ewan!). Still breaking into a top ten finish there was Ali Masson in a time of 33:05 which was the same time across the line as 9th position Andrew Milligan from Durham University. 

Just outside the top ten we also had one of our new Haries Max Bloor also showing his strength in the 10k coming 14th in a time of 33:51. Followed closely behind Max were a team of Haries lead by Rowan Dunn-Capper, Tom Lines and Robbie Peal who were 16th, 17th, and 20th respectively. Not far back was Nick Bennet in 29th, HBT and forever Harie Alex Luetchford in 34th followed by team mate Ewan Crawford and more Haries Alasdair Bisset & James Haynes who were 36th and 37th respectively. 

Just missing out on sub 37 minutes was Tom Scrutton crossing the line and completing the gruelling 10k course in 37:07 and chasing him down was ex. Captain Ben Murphy running in Brown colours to take 65th place! Another new and keen Harie Emma Gill (@fruitsandroutes) just missed out on going under 38 minutes on the course coming in, in a time of 38:05. Other Haries to cross the line included Andrew Lindsay, Calum McLeod, Toby Linley-Adams, Ben Williamson, Jacob Milburn and Fay Walsh among many others!!

On to the Team Results:

5k Race 

10k Race:

Overall a very good race and a superb effort by Arianne who managed to organise the race along with fellow committee members. We’d also like to thank everyone that helped marshal, time-keep and just make sure that the event ran smoothly! Well done guys and bring on KB 5! 

Spell checked and Grammar Checked by : aLasdair pedley

With the run of XC races well under way, it has been good to see our dedicated and high achieving athletes back on the mud once again, which is defo what can be taken away from this weekend. It saw yet again the women being the stars of the show, securing their 3rd National XC Relays win in a row, with Holly Page swapping for Franko who decided Manchester was a better idea… Another cracking achievement ladies!

Anyway I’m gonna apologise for the lateness of this report. But this one is gonna be a bit of a jumble, mixing all of what has happened over the past 2 weeks. Hint, it also includes some falling down hills and action at another University as well as highlights from National Relays. So what’s not to like really?? More reading, more action and more impressive results to read about!? So I’ll start with the most recent and work my way through, obviously if Manchester is ur thing, might want to skip the bit about Nationals…?

National XC Relays

It really did prove at the weekend that Cumbernauld was really the place to be! On a much firmer course than last year, the scene was set for the women to take the National XC Relay champions title once again. Following on from their success at the East District XC Relays the girls went from strength to strength. The team, comprising of Anna Macfadyen, Holly Page, Rebecca Johnson and Steph Pennycook, all had extremely good runs and it was impressive as always to see the kind of lead that these girls can get on the rest of the strong field of runners on the day!! 

Not far behind however was the B team who just like at East Districts also showed an impressive performance, coming 7th overall, showing the calibre of athletes we have in the club! With their team consisting of Constance, Becca , Zoe and Hannah!

We also had a notable appearance from Lydia Blythe who managed (just) to get to Edinburgh on Friday night from her studies in Grenoble. (I highly recommend anyone to have a look at this place! It looks incredible and to say I’m slightly jealous of Lydia is a bit of an understatement! Those views!!) Since being in Grenoble Lydia has managed to start building back up her running and has already had some great performances and she also appeared to have a strong run at the weekend too! Leading off the C team who managed to get their hands on 18th position, which at a national event is very impressive and it’s looking like Scottish University Cross Country will be a good one for the girls this year!!

Onto the Men, which I will actually start off with the two Harie’s which weren’t in Harie’s colours… (that’s right name and shame the lads…) First off on the first leg Max Milarvie, kitted out in his blue colours (V.P. who?), who unfortunately was a victim to the army of spikes at the start and suffered a few wounds which didn’t help his start too well. In his own words he struggled a little bit to get it back together in the rest of his leg, however from an eyewitness (me) Max was flying and established a bit of a lead ahead Cameron Young to bring home his V.P. team a strong position on the leading leg. He’s happy now tho cuz he got his Sugar-free Vimto, keep focused for Leeds next week Max! Smash it! Next of my naming and shaming was Euan Gilham, who swapped his Meadows late-night loops for the 4km Cumbernauld course, who just like Max was flying! And looked very comfortable on his leg and his team also managed to secure a Podium position! Well done Gilham! But Haries vest? [insert cry react]

Last but not least the proper Haries lads, comprising of Hounds and non-hounds however it was said on the fields of Cumbernauld that “anyone can be a hound” #inclusivity [love react]. With Elisha not making it out of his bed until the bus arrived at Cumbernauld, could Elisha make it fashionably late or when the party is over?? Unfortunately neither this weekend [cry react]. Meaning we only managed to get out two complete teams and a team of 3 lads. Not letting this faze them however the guys still gave it their all to show what they were made of with Fresher Pat G leading the three out followed by David and Michal. Further up the field both Cameron Young (Cameroni) and Andrew Johnstone (AJ) put in some great performances for the A and B team respectively on the first leg. With AJ not long back from the past year of injuries that has haunted him, he’s now his strength for the rest of the season! (and I’m glad to say he was not in those inverness colours (yuck!)). Next on the legs were Jack Leitch, Rob Huckle and OFK (rated the sunglasses look). Who all also put in solid performances on their respected legs to get the mens A team to 8th Place. Whilst the B team held AJ’s strong first leg to come 18th out of the 123 complete teams on the day, with Fraser Roach, Alex Muir and Alvaro rounding off the team!

Stirling XC

Now not the uni you thought I was on about folk going to, Manchester who?? 

But last week a big group of Haries hit the fields of Stirling University to compete at the first East League race of the season. I am gonna keep this one as brief as possible because I know I’ve wrote a lot already (and procrastinated enough too), not that the performances weren’t really good on the slightly adapted course to last year. 

Alex Carcas managed to have an absolute flyer, cementing the edge he has over fellow hound Jack by getting that crucial 14 second lead on him for them to come 6th and 9th respectively and being the first two haries home on the day! Also having strong runs were Rob Huckle and Alex Muir who both managed to get in the top 20, whilst Fraser Roach managed to keep a lead on AJ for the two North runners to come 22nd and 24th on the Stirling course. 

Whilst in the women’s race our first HOTW fresher came first Harie home in an outstanding 6th place! (must be something in those @fruitsandroutes meals…) And Pippa Hofman not far behind by only 6 seconds to secure herself 8th place! 

FRA Relays 

We took a men’s, women’s and 2 mixed teams down to sunny Ambleside (Hi Beth) to compete at the annual FRA Relays to show them bright green vests up and down the hills of the Lakes, and see a few ex Haries on the way up and down too.

To start, the A team had a stellar performance to come 4th overall off the back of last year’s silver medal, showing that the top guys have still got what it takes to compete at this level of mountain running! With Alexander Chepelin (Sasha) securing the joint 1st home on the first leg with Keswick runner Chris Arthur! The rest of the guys also had very strong runs getting at least a top 10 finish on each leg! 

Elsewhere our Open Team secured 60th place and the Female and Mixed Teams coming 79th and 80th respectively with only 2 seconds splitting it between them on the sprint finish at the end.

Reports were that even though he had completed his run and done a very respectable 41st place on the first leg, David Hedges made his way back into the hills to make the most of his trip down to the lakes, spending a few hours getting that filthy mileage #respect. And if you haven’t seen this boys mileage on strava check it out, he is absolute fire with that mileage!!

And that is me over and out, good luck to all the Haries racing at the Scottish Uni’s this weekend and those that are heading down to Leeds. Apologies if I have missed anyones results on the report, if you have a result you want me to put in the report. Plz drop me a message and I’ll get it in, my strava stalking isn’t on top form at the moment. 

Referee 1 : Alasdair Pedley (retired – Gave up on this hopeless cause)