West District XC Champs, Ayr. 4th December
Inverclyde AC duo Andy Douglas (right) and Jonny Glen were the class acts at the West District cross country championship with both being runaway winners in their respective races.
As the senior race progressed it was a case of when and not if Andy would move into the lead and run clear such has been his class over the last few races. Moving into the last lap Andy injected a bit more pace to leave the field trailing to claim another title to his impressive portfolio.
Behind Andy his team mates were packing well keeping a close eye on each other as team awards were to be contested. Craig Ruddy lead the charge with John Bell getting the better of Mark Pollard on the day and David Tamburini having the best run of the day in the senior ranks to finish just ahead of final counter David Henderson a quick calculation proved IAC had secured team silver.
It was business as usual in the under 20 men's race as Jonny Glen shot to the front after the gun and ran his own race clocking the laps down before accepting the well earned applause for another fine run and continue his dominance in Scottish junior endurance events.
Ryan Gray and Cameron Watson formed part of the leading runners in the under 17 age group pushing the pace on during the challenging hill sections. With 1,000m to go Ryan opened a small gap over Cameron and began challenging for the lead. Going into the final straight Ryan confirmed his silver medal position with Cameron close behind just outside the medals.
Matching the boy's glory, Shelby Morrison was a prominent figure at the head of the under 17 girls race, with the increase in distance from her previous races Shelby used her experiences to keep ahead of the chasing pack running into a podium finish adding to the positive impact for the local club on the day. Similar to the senior men's team Shelby's team mates Nicola Doohan and Jennifer Lynn ran well to bring the team award home after a tiring day.
With the race being used as part of the selection to represent the West of Scotland in Edinburgh come January, Josh Law (below) ran his best ever race and will now look to build on that success and focus more in training over the coming weeks.
Nynke Mulholland and Ross Gray were unlucky to finish just a few seconds off a podium finish in their respective races, senior women and under 20 men.
Inverclyde AC duo Andy Douglas (right) and Jonny Glen were the class acts at the West District cross country championship with both being runaway winners in their respective races.
As the senior race progressed it was a case of when and not if Andy would move into the lead and run clear such has been his class over the last few races. Moving into the last lap Andy injected a bit more pace to leave the field trailing to claim another title to his impressive portfolio.
Behind Andy his team mates were packing well keeping a close eye on each other as team awards were to be contested. Craig Ruddy lead the charge with John Bell getting the better of Mark Pollard on the day and David Tamburini having the best run of the day in the senior ranks to finish just ahead of final counter David Henderson a quick calculation proved IAC had secured team silver.
It was business as usual in the under 20 men's race as Jonny Glen shot to the front after the gun and ran his own race clocking the laps down before accepting the well earned applause for another fine run and continue his dominance in Scottish junior endurance events.
Ryan Gray and Cameron Watson formed part of the leading runners in the under 17 age group pushing the pace on during the challenging hill sections. With 1,000m to go Ryan opened a small gap over Cameron and began challenging for the lead. Going into the final straight Ryan confirmed his silver medal position with Cameron close behind just outside the medals.
Matching the boy's glory, Shelby Morrison was a prominent figure at the head of the under 17 girls race, with the increase in distance from her previous races Shelby used her experiences to keep ahead of the chasing pack running into a podium finish adding to the positive impact for the local club on the day. Similar to the senior men's team Shelby's team mates Nicola Doohan and Jennifer Lynn ran well to bring the team award home after a tiring day.
With the race being used as part of the selection to represent the West of Scotland in Edinburgh come January, Josh Law (below) ran his best ever race and will now look to build on that success and focus more in training over the coming weeks.
Nynke Mulholland and Ross Gray were unlucky to finish just a few seconds off a podium finish in their respective races, senior women and under 20 men.
UK XC Challenge. Sefto Park, Liverpool. 26th November
Inverclyde AC athletes traveled to Liverpool to contest the UK Cross Country Challenge with the added support of Jonny Glen having just returned from New Mexico on a seasonal break.
Jonny (pictured, sporting a brand new beard) was joined in the senior race with Andy Douglas and 1,000 other contesting athletes. As the massive field gathered on the start line it was a who's who of elite endurance athletes with Olympians and World champions in the field.
As the gun set them off the ferocious start set by Scottish Olympians Andrew Butchart and Callum Hawkins soon separated the massive field where the distance from leaders to back markers was over 400m long. Andy and Jonny were at full throttle at the front end of the race as they roared past on the first of the three lap race.
Andy displaying all his experience to form part of the chasing pack remained focus to lead some of Britain's best endurance athletes. Keeping close order was Jonny who was having his own under 23 competition working his way past the younger athletes in the race.
Going into the last 600m Andy was top 20, at this point the pace increased as athletes were chasing UK rankings. As the up hill 200m finish approached Andy pulled on his hill racing experience to claim an impressive 12th place. Jonny in his normal determined fashion raced ahead of his competitors to claim a top placing in the under 23 race which should see him representing IAC once again at the international event in Edinburgh in January.
In the younger age group development races Robert Gray was first up in the under 13 boys. Contesting the very thick fog and visibility being 20m, Robert would appear from nowhere as the support encouraged the young athlete to a solid performance at this level of competition.
In the under 15 girls Nuala McCheyne lead the charge keeping close order with the leading pack as the distance increased over recent weeks. Approaching the finish Nuala had secured a top place which she will use to her benefit at the upcoming West District cross country. Zoe Renfrew rose to the challenge of the UK event and produced one of the best performances of the day to race home second for the club. Securing a good team finish for the girls were Cliona McCheyne and Hannah McGeehan.
Ryan Gray and Cameron Watson contested the most difficult of age groups the under 17 boys where the development plays a huge part in performance. Both local athletes of similar petite frame were not to be out fought as the brought the black and white stripes of the local home in the top half of the field.
The under 17 girls Shelby Morrison and Nicola Doohan had the additional challenge of the under 20 age group in their race. Undaunted Shelby focused her efforts on getting round the course within striking distance of her competitors with a top 20 finish being a good result. Nicola enjoyed her return to competitive action at this level and will build on her performance over the festive season.
Thanks to all who travelled down to Liverpool to support our athletes.
Inverclyde AC athletes traveled to Liverpool to contest the UK Cross Country Challenge with the added support of Jonny Glen having just returned from New Mexico on a seasonal break.
Jonny (pictured, sporting a brand new beard) was joined in the senior race with Andy Douglas and 1,000 other contesting athletes. As the massive field gathered on the start line it was a who's who of elite endurance athletes with Olympians and World champions in the field.
As the gun set them off the ferocious start set by Scottish Olympians Andrew Butchart and Callum Hawkins soon separated the massive field where the distance from leaders to back markers was over 400m long. Andy and Jonny were at full throttle at the front end of the race as they roared past on the first of the three lap race.
Andy displaying all his experience to form part of the chasing pack remained focus to lead some of Britain's best endurance athletes. Keeping close order was Jonny who was having his own under 23 competition working his way past the younger athletes in the race.
Going into the last 600m Andy was top 20, at this point the pace increased as athletes were chasing UK rankings. As the up hill 200m finish approached Andy pulled on his hill racing experience to claim an impressive 12th place. Jonny in his normal determined fashion raced ahead of his competitors to claim a top placing in the under 23 race which should see him representing IAC once again at the international event in Edinburgh in January.
In the younger age group development races Robert Gray was first up in the under 13 boys. Contesting the very thick fog and visibility being 20m, Robert would appear from nowhere as the support encouraged the young athlete to a solid performance at this level of competition.
In the under 15 girls Nuala McCheyne lead the charge keeping close order with the leading pack as the distance increased over recent weeks. Approaching the finish Nuala had secured a top place which she will use to her benefit at the upcoming West District cross country. Zoe Renfrew rose to the challenge of the UK event and produced one of the best performances of the day to race home second for the club. Securing a good team finish for the girls were Cliona McCheyne and Hannah McGeehan.
Ryan Gray and Cameron Watson contested the most difficult of age groups the under 17 boys where the development plays a huge part in performance. Both local athletes of similar petite frame were not to be out fought as the brought the black and white stripes of the local home in the top half of the field.
The under 17 girls Shelby Morrison and Nicola Doohan had the additional challenge of the under 20 age group in their race. Undaunted Shelby focused her efforts on getting round the course within striking distance of her competitors with a top 20 finish being a good result. Nicola enjoyed her return to competitive action at this level and will build on her performance over the festive season.
Thanks to all who travelled down to Liverpool to support our athletes.
Renfrewshire XC Champs, 20th November 2016
It was a great day for Inverclyde at the Renfrewshire Cross Country Championships at Johnstone on Sunday. Black and white vests dominated across the age groups, with individual and team medals aplenty.
In the senior men's race Mark Pollard set the early pace closely followed by club mates Craig Ruddy, John Bell and under 20 Ross Gray. The four broke clear from the chasing athletes and were having their own tussle at the front to claim the title. Passing half way Mark and Craig had opened up a small gap which both extended onto the finishing lap where Mark dug into his reserves to increase the distance over Craig both cruising down the finishing straight to claim the top two places and Renfrewshire title for Mark.
Just behind, John Bell secured the bronze medal spot and a one, two, three for the local club. After a mature start masters internationalist and medalist after his recent exploits representing Scotland David Henderson moved through the field timing his run to perfection to smoothly move into fourth place passing under 20 winner Ross Gray on the way home to the finish. Concluding the counting members of the team Graeme Hyett pulled on his reserves of experience to pull clear of team mate Sean Gaffney, anchoring IAC to team victory on the day.
Within the senior ladies race inverclyde were equally dominant with Nynke Mulholland (pictured) enjoying competing with the men as she lead her female counterparts in the first sections of the race. Sharon Muir who like David had just returned from representing Scotland in the recent international where her medal winning performance was giving her extra confidence to keep Nynke in sight. Rachael Bushfield was anchoring the ladies making sure she held off the challenge from the other teams.
With the finish approaching Nynke was in a commanding place to secure the title with Sharon close behind and a gutsy finish from Rachael had secured the senior ladies title to match the men.
Early on in the day the young athletes had their chance to set the day off well for Inverclyde and in the first race of the day under 11 Harris Morrison played cat and mouse with the early leaders before moving onto the shoulder of the leader waiting for his time to strike, with a very vocal support near the finish Harris sprinted into the lead and was the first win of the day fro the local team.
As the races moved on to under 13 age groups, Robert Gray used different tactics to Harris and struck for home early creating a big gap over his opponents to run clear collecting the first medal of the day for the Gray dynasty.
At under 15 girls, young internationalist Nuala McCheyne was clear favourite and so it proved to be within the first 800m Nuala was clear and pushing the boys in her race. With the added distance experience putting addition strain on the young athletes Nuala coped well with the demand and ran clear to continue her winning streak.
Ryan Gray and Cameron Watson turned the under 17 boys race into a two horse race when both broke clear, having their own race at the front the concentration took both athletes clear as the miles went by. 400m from the finish a surge from Ryan opened up a small gap which he held to the finish to gain another one, two.
In the team awards Inverclyde made a number of podium trips with under 11 Harris, Keir Arthur, Liam Connor, Hannah Thomson, Leona Conway and Maddie Fox all collecting awards.
Under 13's Lewis Hainey and Caleb Dunning joined Robert Gray to collect the under 13 team medal with Sean Fischer-Keogh, Josh Law, Ben Nicol, Nual, Cliona McCheyne and Hannah McGeehan all collecting under 15 awards.
It was a great day for Inverclyde at the Renfrewshire Cross Country Championships at Johnstone on Sunday. Black and white vests dominated across the age groups, with individual and team medals aplenty.
In the senior men's race Mark Pollard set the early pace closely followed by club mates Craig Ruddy, John Bell and under 20 Ross Gray. The four broke clear from the chasing athletes and were having their own tussle at the front to claim the title. Passing half way Mark and Craig had opened up a small gap which both extended onto the finishing lap where Mark dug into his reserves to increase the distance over Craig both cruising down the finishing straight to claim the top two places and Renfrewshire title for Mark.
Just behind, John Bell secured the bronze medal spot and a one, two, three for the local club. After a mature start masters internationalist and medalist after his recent exploits representing Scotland David Henderson moved through the field timing his run to perfection to smoothly move into fourth place passing under 20 winner Ross Gray on the way home to the finish. Concluding the counting members of the team Graeme Hyett pulled on his reserves of experience to pull clear of team mate Sean Gaffney, anchoring IAC to team victory on the day.
Within the senior ladies race inverclyde were equally dominant with Nynke Mulholland (pictured) enjoying competing with the men as she lead her female counterparts in the first sections of the race. Sharon Muir who like David had just returned from representing Scotland in the recent international where her medal winning performance was giving her extra confidence to keep Nynke in sight. Rachael Bushfield was anchoring the ladies making sure she held off the challenge from the other teams.
With the finish approaching Nynke was in a commanding place to secure the title with Sharon close behind and a gutsy finish from Rachael had secured the senior ladies title to match the men.
Early on in the day the young athletes had their chance to set the day off well for Inverclyde and in the first race of the day under 11 Harris Morrison played cat and mouse with the early leaders before moving onto the shoulder of the leader waiting for his time to strike, with a very vocal support near the finish Harris sprinted into the lead and was the first win of the day fro the local team.
As the races moved on to under 13 age groups, Robert Gray used different tactics to Harris and struck for home early creating a big gap over his opponents to run clear collecting the first medal of the day for the Gray dynasty.
At under 15 girls, young internationalist Nuala McCheyne was clear favourite and so it proved to be within the first 800m Nuala was clear and pushing the boys in her race. With the added distance experience putting addition strain on the young athletes Nuala coped well with the demand and ran clear to continue her winning streak.
Ryan Gray and Cameron Watson turned the under 17 boys race into a two horse race when both broke clear, having their own race at the front the concentration took both athletes clear as the miles went by. 400m from the finish a surge from Ryan opened up a small gap which he held to the finish to gain another one, two.
In the team awards Inverclyde made a number of podium trips with under 11 Harris, Keir Arthur, Liam Connor, Hannah Thomson, Leona Conway and Maddie Fox all collecting awards.
Under 13's Lewis Hainey and Caleb Dunning joined Robert Gray to collect the under 13 team medal with Sean Fischer-Keogh, Josh Law, Ben Nicol, Nual, Cliona McCheyne and Hannah McGeehan all collecting under 15 awards.
National XC Champs, 22nd October
Andy Douglas lead a large team of Inverclyde AC athletes to contest the National Cross Country relays championships at Cumbernauld.
Andy was on the first leg for the senior men's team and was quick to make his way to the front of the runners leading over 130 athletes over the first hill challenge. As the athletes settled into their own pace Andy was instrumental in causing the field to spread over a considerable distance with an injection of pace. As they approach the final 800m the dreaded steep incline proved little difficulty for the mountain champion as he powered home to bring Inverclyde in top position recording the fastest time for the club on the day. Ross Gray's return to form was rewarded with another 'A' team place and he didn't disappoint rising to the challenge of Scotland's elite endurance athletes pushing him over the testing course, Ross stuck to his plan keeping IAC in the top placings.
John Bell relatively new to the competitive world of athletes had the unenviable task of holding off Scotland's top Olympic athlete Callum Hawkins. John running maturely managed to hold off the exceptional Hawkins until the final stages as he brought the local club home within range of the winning clubs. On the final leg the vastly experienced Mark Pollard was at his focused best putting on a display for the clubs youngest athletes of how to get the best from your efforts, securing the club a position just outside a podium finish.
In the young athletes races, Shelby Morrison returned to the top of the local pile with the fastest run of the day as she bore down on the opposition to try and secure her girls team of Abi Hammerman and Nuala McCheyne to a medal winning position. Before setting Shelby off, Abi was contesting the first leg for under 13 girls and brought the team home in the top 20 places. Nuala on the under 15 girls, second leg dug deep into her reserves of endurance and determination passing athletes as she did, handing over to Shelby in sixth place. Shelby was soon into her stride bringing the opposition closer as they strode over the course. With the finishing straight approaching the battle for bronze was on with Shelby getting closer with every stride as the athletes crossed the line Inverclyde were just edged out by the narrowest of margins.
In the boys race Robert Gray set them up well for the second leg Josh Law to run one of his best races so far this season moving up the club rankings in the process before handing over the ever reliable Ryan Gray to record the fastest boys time of the day.
A few seconds off Ryan's time was team mate Cameron Watson who clearly benefited from his previous week's training to record one of the fastest athletes of the day nationally.
Other top performers on the day were headed by Jon Hammerman who has made the transfer from recreational runner to a competitive athlete and the return of the evergreen Gerry Gaffney recording fastest over 60 on the day.
In the younger age group Cliona McCheyne returned to form and will take confidence from her performance. Zoe Renfrew again moved further up the club pecking order with another impressive display.
Andy Douglas lead a large team of Inverclyde AC athletes to contest the National Cross Country relays championships at Cumbernauld.
Andy was on the first leg for the senior men's team and was quick to make his way to the front of the runners leading over 130 athletes over the first hill challenge. As the athletes settled into their own pace Andy was instrumental in causing the field to spread over a considerable distance with an injection of pace. As they approach the final 800m the dreaded steep incline proved little difficulty for the mountain champion as he powered home to bring Inverclyde in top position recording the fastest time for the club on the day. Ross Gray's return to form was rewarded with another 'A' team place and he didn't disappoint rising to the challenge of Scotland's elite endurance athletes pushing him over the testing course, Ross stuck to his plan keeping IAC in the top placings.
John Bell relatively new to the competitive world of athletes had the unenviable task of holding off Scotland's top Olympic athlete Callum Hawkins. John running maturely managed to hold off the exceptional Hawkins until the final stages as he brought the local club home within range of the winning clubs. On the final leg the vastly experienced Mark Pollard was at his focused best putting on a display for the clubs youngest athletes of how to get the best from your efforts, securing the club a position just outside a podium finish.
In the young athletes races, Shelby Morrison returned to the top of the local pile with the fastest run of the day as she bore down on the opposition to try and secure her girls team of Abi Hammerman and Nuala McCheyne to a medal winning position. Before setting Shelby off, Abi was contesting the first leg for under 13 girls and brought the team home in the top 20 places. Nuala on the under 15 girls, second leg dug deep into her reserves of endurance and determination passing athletes as she did, handing over to Shelby in sixth place. Shelby was soon into her stride bringing the opposition closer as they strode over the course. With the finishing straight approaching the battle for bronze was on with Shelby getting closer with every stride as the athletes crossed the line Inverclyde were just edged out by the narrowest of margins.
In the boys race Robert Gray set them up well for the second leg Josh Law to run one of his best races so far this season moving up the club rankings in the process before handing over the ever reliable Ryan Gray to record the fastest boys time of the day.
A few seconds off Ryan's time was team mate Cameron Watson who clearly benefited from his previous week's training to record one of the fastest athletes of the day nationally.
Other top performers on the day were headed by Jon Hammerman who has made the transfer from recreational runner to a competitive athlete and the return of the evergreen Gerry Gaffney recording fastest over 60 on the day.
In the younger age group Cliona McCheyne returned to form and will take confidence from her performance. Zoe Renfrew again moved further up the club pecking order with another impressive display.
Scottish Athletics Awards Dinner
Scottish Athletics Annual Awards dinner, 29th October is once again a time to be proud to be associated with our athletic club.
Our World Cup Mountain running champion Andy Douglas is nominated and short listed in Athlete of the Year category.
Andy's coach Sophie Dunnet is a contender for Coach of the Year.
And Inverclyde AC are shortlisted for Club of the Year category.
To make the short list on all the above categories is testament to the work and commitment carried out by all members, coaches and volunteers associated with the club and we are rightly proud to make these national awards once again.
The club will have Andy, President Gerry Gaffney, Vice President Kenny Morrison and speed coach Iain Burnside attending the dinner to represent us all.
Scottish Athletics Annual Awards dinner, 29th October is once again a time to be proud to be associated with our athletic club.
Our World Cup Mountain running champion Andy Douglas is nominated and short listed in Athlete of the Year category.
Andy's coach Sophie Dunnet is a contender for Coach of the Year.
And Inverclyde AC are shortlisted for Club of the Year category.
To make the short list on all the above categories is testament to the work and commitment carried out by all members, coaches and volunteers associated with the club and we are rightly proud to make these national awards once again.
The club will have Andy, President Gerry Gaffney, Vice President Kenny Morrison and speed coach Iain Burnside attending the dinner to represent us all.
Renfrewshire XC Relays
Inverclyde AC were at their dominant best winning a total of 18 medals at the Renfrewshire cross country relays held recently in Bellahouston Park, Glasgow.
With the youngest age group under 11's allowed to compete in this fixture Inverclyde's youngest athletes did not disappoint and set the bar for their more experienced club mates to follow.
In the under 11 Boys relay Harris Morrison set the boy's up well on the first leg bringing them home first and recording the fastest under 11 leg of the day in the process. Keir Arthur started well on the second leg holding of the challenge from Giffnock as the lead sea sawed to and fro, however a spirited fast finish had Keir handing over in the lead. Aidan McAvoy on one of his first competitive outings had the challenge of keeping Inverclyde in a medal position and with the support carrying him home on the final lap Aidan brought the team home to win silver.
Lewis Hainey lead off for the under 13 boys team running well as he lead the field home recording a good time and with his focused training plan paying dividends more success in the future should not be far away. Caleb Dunning had the middle leg and produced a determined effort before handing over to Robert Gray to bring the team home on the anchor leg and another silver medal won.
The under 13 girls trio of Orla McGeehan, Erin Law and Abi Hammermann were not to be outshone by the boys and with sustained team effort Abi brought them home to win bronze.
Inverclyde have a strong under 15 section and with Nuala McCheyne recording the fastest girls time of the day her team with Georgia Morrison and Hannah McGeehan were always in contention for the medals finishing the race in silver position to add to the young athletes tally.
The under 15 boys of Sean Fischer-Keogh, Josh Law and Ben Nichol were put in the correct position after Sean had brought them home winning while recording one of the fastest runs of the day. Josh finding his form recently maintained a challenge before Ben carried the hopes of the team home emulating the girls with a silver medal win.
With the arrival of the senior members the pressure was well and truly on them after the youngsters passed on their tales of glory.
The 'A' team of David Henderson, Ross Gray, John Bell and Michael Houston were always going to be a formidable foe and after David brought the team home in contention after leg one Ross ran into the lead and moved into another gear range recording the fastest time of the day before John enjoyed the demands of running from the front to let Michael bring the team home in gold medal winning position to claim the senior title.
With competition fierce to make the 'A' team the runners in the 'B' team, Matthew McKinnon, Mark Pollard, David Tamburini and Graeme Hyett were focused on performing to their best and with experience comes maturity over the demands of cross country with Mark and Graeme proving their pedigree with very fast times on the day securing a bronze medal on the day and two IAC teams on the podium.
Inverclyde AC were at their dominant best winning a total of 18 medals at the Renfrewshire cross country relays held recently in Bellahouston Park, Glasgow.
With the youngest age group under 11's allowed to compete in this fixture Inverclyde's youngest athletes did not disappoint and set the bar for their more experienced club mates to follow.
In the under 11 Boys relay Harris Morrison set the boy's up well on the first leg bringing them home first and recording the fastest under 11 leg of the day in the process. Keir Arthur started well on the second leg holding of the challenge from Giffnock as the lead sea sawed to and fro, however a spirited fast finish had Keir handing over in the lead. Aidan McAvoy on one of his first competitive outings had the challenge of keeping Inverclyde in a medal position and with the support carrying him home on the final lap Aidan brought the team home to win silver.
Lewis Hainey lead off for the under 13 boys team running well as he lead the field home recording a good time and with his focused training plan paying dividends more success in the future should not be far away. Caleb Dunning had the middle leg and produced a determined effort before handing over to Robert Gray to bring the team home on the anchor leg and another silver medal won.
The under 13 girls trio of Orla McGeehan, Erin Law and Abi Hammermann were not to be outshone by the boys and with sustained team effort Abi brought them home to win bronze.
Inverclyde have a strong under 15 section and with Nuala McCheyne recording the fastest girls time of the day her team with Georgia Morrison and Hannah McGeehan were always in contention for the medals finishing the race in silver position to add to the young athletes tally.
The under 15 boys of Sean Fischer-Keogh, Josh Law and Ben Nichol were put in the correct position after Sean had brought them home winning while recording one of the fastest runs of the day. Josh finding his form recently maintained a challenge before Ben carried the hopes of the team home emulating the girls with a silver medal win.
With the arrival of the senior members the pressure was well and truly on them after the youngsters passed on their tales of glory.
The 'A' team of David Henderson, Ross Gray, John Bell and Michael Houston were always going to be a formidable foe and after David brought the team home in contention after leg one Ross ran into the lead and moved into another gear range recording the fastest time of the day before John enjoyed the demands of running from the front to let Michael bring the team home in gold medal winning position to claim the senior title.
With competition fierce to make the 'A' team the runners in the 'B' team, Matthew McKinnon, Mark Pollard, David Tamburini and Graeme Hyett were focused on performing to their best and with experience comes maturity over the demands of cross country with Mark and Graeme proving their pedigree with very fast times on the day securing a bronze medal on the day and two IAC teams on the podium.
West district xc relays - 8th oct.
Inverclyde AC had a number of top performances at the West District Cross Country Relay Championships held at Birkmyre Park Kilmacolm.
The young female team of Abi Hammerman, Nuala McCheyne and Shelby Morrison were podium finishers at the end of their race. Abi set off on the first of the three legs contested over the 2,500M course, with the full area of Birkmyre being utilised Abi was keeping her team in contention at the front end of the race. With a solid finish she handed over to Nuala.
Nuala, the Scottish national under 15 800m champion was soon up to top speed pulling the team up the rankings as she went past some of the runners who had been set off in front. With the last 300m being challenging Nuala drove onto the change over area to set of Shelby.
A very determined start soon had Shelby in the range of the leading athletes and a podium finish being a realistic goal. After the half way mark Shelby was passing athletes at will as she set a ferocious pace pulling her into silver medal position. With the finish approaching silver was assured and despite the fastest young female time of the day Shelby just missed taking the team to gold by the narrowest of margins.
With the senior ladies team always being considered one of the top teams Rachael Bushfield set the foundation for the team to build on before Sharon Muir ran another excellent race completing the course in a time that has seen her gain selection for the British & Irish Masters International team. On the anchor leg the ever reliable Nynke Mulholland set about her task of making sure Inverclyde were to the fore at the end of the race and with a very determined effort Nynke recorded the fastest local time for the ladies, bring the team home a fraction of the medal positions.
With a number of Inverclyde team's on show racing was going to be very competitive as places for the forth coming weeks were on offer. The senior men's first leg had David Henderson running well to bring his team in ahead of the 'A' teams Matthew McKinnon. On the second leg John Bell pulled the 'A' team back into contention with a blistering finish before Ross Gray started his effort, with an injury free run of training Ross has been reaping the rewards and so it proved as he recorded the fastest local athlete of the day. Mark Pollard fresh from his Cologne marathon anchored the team home and as resilient as ever Mark recorded one of the quickest legs.
There was a rare outing for the clubs fastest sprinters as Scott MccLuckie, Shaun Tonner and Mark Magee tackled the 4,000m course with their normal vigour for competition.
In the young boys race under 13's Robert Gray and Lewis Hainey were a force on the first leg keeping in the leading group and using each other to push themselves on to a faster time at the finish Robert gained the fastest local time on the day.
As the second leg, traditionally the under 15 age group set off Josh Law pulled on the experiences of the previous weeks of training on the course as he recorded won of his best runs and should now build on this over the coming weeks. Sean Fischer-Keogh and Ben Nichol were keeping Josh in their sights and with such good team placings the next few weeks should see the profits of the boys efforts.
In the under 15 girls Georgia Morrison, Zoe Renfrew and Hannah McGeehan had good runs and joining together with Nuala in the coming weeks should see the girls remain in good form.
Inverclyde travel to Bellahouston Park, Glasgow for the next championship where athletes will be seeking to improve on previous performances.
The young female team of Abi Hammerman, Nuala McCheyne and Shelby Morrison were podium finishers at the end of their race. Abi set off on the first of the three legs contested over the 2,500M course, with the full area of Birkmyre being utilised Abi was keeping her team in contention at the front end of the race. With a solid finish she handed over to Nuala.
Nuala, the Scottish national under 15 800m champion was soon up to top speed pulling the team up the rankings as she went past some of the runners who had been set off in front. With the last 300m being challenging Nuala drove onto the change over area to set of Shelby.
A very determined start soon had Shelby in the range of the leading athletes and a podium finish being a realistic goal. After the half way mark Shelby was passing athletes at will as she set a ferocious pace pulling her into silver medal position. With the finish approaching silver was assured and despite the fastest young female time of the day Shelby just missed taking the team to gold by the narrowest of margins.
With the senior ladies team always being considered one of the top teams Rachael Bushfield set the foundation for the team to build on before Sharon Muir ran another excellent race completing the course in a time that has seen her gain selection for the British & Irish Masters International team. On the anchor leg the ever reliable Nynke Mulholland set about her task of making sure Inverclyde were to the fore at the end of the race and with a very determined effort Nynke recorded the fastest local time for the ladies, bring the team home a fraction of the medal positions.
With a number of Inverclyde team's on show racing was going to be very competitive as places for the forth coming weeks were on offer. The senior men's first leg had David Henderson running well to bring his team in ahead of the 'A' teams Matthew McKinnon. On the second leg John Bell pulled the 'A' team back into contention with a blistering finish before Ross Gray started his effort, with an injury free run of training Ross has been reaping the rewards and so it proved as he recorded the fastest local athlete of the day. Mark Pollard fresh from his Cologne marathon anchored the team home and as resilient as ever Mark recorded one of the quickest legs.
There was a rare outing for the clubs fastest sprinters as Scott MccLuckie, Shaun Tonner and Mark Magee tackled the 4,000m course with their normal vigour for competition.
In the young boys race under 13's Robert Gray and Lewis Hainey were a force on the first leg keeping in the leading group and using each other to push themselves on to a faster time at the finish Robert gained the fastest local time on the day.
As the second leg, traditionally the under 15 age group set off Josh Law pulled on the experiences of the previous weeks of training on the course as he recorded won of his best runs and should now build on this over the coming weeks. Sean Fischer-Keogh and Ben Nichol were keeping Josh in their sights and with such good team placings the next few weeks should see the profits of the boys efforts.
In the under 15 girls Georgia Morrison, Zoe Renfrew and Hannah McGeehan had good runs and joining together with Nuala in the coming weeks should see the girls remain in good form.
Inverclyde travel to Bellahouston Park, Glasgow for the next championship where athletes will be seeking to improve on previous performances.