Welcome to Cross Country!

Lindsays XC Championships 2022Copyright Bobby GavinByline Must be Used

Welcome from Club President Alison King

Harriers, the new cross-country season is here! The cross-country season is daunting for some but don’t let it be it is actually fun. The challenges, the mud, and chances to surprise yourself with what you can do.

XC has a way of bringing out the best in Glenpark it shows the grit, the determination, and the ability to keep going even when you are questioning all your life choices. 2026/2027 is going to be an outstanding year for Greenock Glenpark Harriers, and this is a chance to show case who we are. Let’s show up ready for the mud, ready to support each other as the camaraderie is fantastic at XC. GGH is ready to take on everything, the hills, the weather, the mud.

We don’t need perfect conditions. We don’t need sunshine. All you need is a change of socks.

You just need to turn up, give what you’ve got!

See you all there. 🩵💛💙

Alison.

Welcome from your Club Captains

Cross country season is upon us, and we’re putting a big focus on growing participation, supporting all abilities, and ensuring XC is one of the most enjoyable parts of our club year. Whether you’re a seasoned mud‑lover, haven’t done it since school or are trying XC for the first time, we want you with us. XC will build your fitness and strength, with it being well known that spring and summer performance, PB’s and fitness is built in the winter.

XC is all about challenging yourself, working together with the team and representing the club. Every runner counts. The more Harriers on the start line and coming to support (bring your friends & family), the stronger we are. This year we’re building a proper XC identity, with lots of information, beginner‑friendly support, and a participation‑based points league.

While increasing participation will show our strength in numbers, we also want to be competing at the top end. We have incredible strength and depth and we want to see the Greenock Glenpark name at the top of individual, age category and team positions. So to our fastest men and women, use your talent with pride, showcase you, and let’s get Glenpark battling against the best and showing what we are all about!

See you on the start line! – En Evant! 

Training and Support

To help everyone feel informed, motivated and confident regarding all thing’s cross country and the upcoming season:

Communication

Regular updates and information through Facebook and email.
121 messages, chats and check ins from your club captains.

Recognition – We’ll share and celebrate our efforts through:

Race reports and photos, including:
Individual and team results
Best Newcomer
Best Moment
Team of the day (Relays)

Resources

Highlights from previous events

Scottish Athletics Highlights – Lindsays Cross Country Season 2024-25

Buddy system for newer runners – Your club captains and experienced XC runners will offer to support you 121. You should also feel free to get chatting to any fellow Harriers and ask all things XC.

Club XC taster event TBC – An opportunity to try XC, taking on some grass, hills, mud, and uneven terrain. 

Try yourself or with others – Local XC training – Stick on your shoes and get a feel for it at these local XC training options. Lets see you share what you’ve been up to and get those sessions on Strava!

Tower Hill, Gourock – https://maps.app.goo.gl/KJzPcDWmDhRHwmkF7?g_st=ac
Parklea, Port Glasgow  – https://maps.app.goo.gl/KJzPcDWmDhRHwmkF7?g_st=ac
Lady Octavia/Bridgend Road, Greenock – https://maps.app.goo.gl/KJzPcDWmDhRHwmkF7?g_st=ac

Glenpark Socials – Keep an eye out for the famous post-race socials through the winter season — get a wash, celebrate and share stories from the day with your Harrier pals! 

XC Calendar

Please see the below dates and mark these in your calendars. XC events are generally arranged around other running events, and we avoid clashes with our club races too. Look out for our requests for you to sign up to each race, which are shared through Facebook and email in advance.

The races start with 4k, building up to 6-8k then 10k for the National in February, the final race of the season. If you can do parkrun and our club races, you can do XC.

Scottish Athletics Registration – This is required to run at Scottish Athletic XC events. For £25 annual fee you can access a huge range of benefits, check out the benefits and how to sign up here – Membership – Scottish Athletics. Please remember, we are here to support everyone. If for any reason you need some flexibility or support with fees, please do not hesitate to get in touch. You can contact any member of the committee directly or anonymously by email to gghwelfare@gmail.com

Lindsays District Cross-country Relay Championships 10th October 2026
WEST, Ayrshire Athletics Arena, Kilmarnock
Distance: Teams of 4, running 4k each.

2025 Results
Number of Harriers
Total: 26
Men: 15
Women: 11
Men’s Team Position: 8th, Masters 5th
Women’s Team Position: 21st, Masters 2nd (Silver)
Top 5 Men: Dylan Crawford, Lewis McCrae, Stephen Trainer, Andy McCall, Lewis Khan
Top 5 Women: Jill Cox, Ashley Anderson, Fiona MacFarlane, Lorna Mitchell

Lindsays National Cross-country Relay Championships 24th October 2026
Cumbernauld
Distance: Teams of 4, running 4k each.

2025 Results
Number of Harriers
Total: 21
Men: 12
Women: 9
Men’s Team Position: 38th, V50 5th
Women’s Team Position: Masters 15th, V50 7th
Top 5 Men: Lewis McCrae, Stephen Trainer, Lewis Khan, Paul Monaghan, Steven Campbell.
Top 5 Women: Ashley Anderson, Lorna Mitchell, Vicki Smith, Lynne Harrison, Jill Turner.

Lindsays National Short Course Cross-country Championships 7th November 2026
Kirkcaldy High School, Kirkcaldy 
Distance: 4k

2025 Results
Number of Harriers
Total: 13
Men: 8
Women: 5
Men’s Team Position: N/A
Women’s Team Position: N/A
Top 5 Men: Stephen Trainer, Oliver Reilly, Daniel Doherty, Michael McLoone – Gold medal V60, Stephen Harrison.
Top 5 Women: Lorna Mitchell, Jill Aikman, Lynne Harrison, Helen Crawford, Charlotte McKay – Silver medal V70

Lindsays District Cross-country Championships 5th December 2026
WEST Kirkland Park, Strathaven
Distance: 8.6k

2025 Results
Number of Harriers
Total: 21
Men: 16
Women: 5
Men’s Team Position: Senior 7th, Masters 7th
Women’s Team Position: Senior 14th, Masters 9th
Top 5 Men: Stephen Trainer, Lewis Khan, John Logan, Daniel Doherty, Paul Monaghan.
Top 5 Women: Ashley Anderson, Lynne Harrison, Jill Turner, Maureen Doherty, Sarah Jane Whalen.

Inter-District Cross-country Championships 16th January 2027
Alexandra Park, Glasgow
Distance: 8k (No GGH in 2026)

Lindsays National Masters Cross-country Championships
30th January 2027
Balgownie, Aberdeen
Distance: Men 8k, Women 6k

2026 Results
Number of Harriers
Total: 6
Men: 5
Women:1
Men’s Team Position: V50 5th
Women’s Team Position: N/A
Top 5 Men: Neil Lafferty, Steven Campbell, Michael McCloone Snr, Colin McKnight, Stephen Harrison

…and the big one!

Lindsays National Cross-country Championships 20th February 2027
Falkirk
Distance: 10k

2026 Results
Number of Harriers
Total: 20
Men: 10
Women: 10
Men’s Team Position: 17th
Women’s Team Position: 16th
Top 5 Men: Andrew McCall, Lewis Khan, Oliver Reilly, Daniel Doherty, John Hampsey, Andrew McKenzie (6 counters for team)
Top 5 Women: Ashley Anderson, Lorna Mitchell, Viki Smith, Lynne Harrison, Heather Lafferty, Marian Monk (6 counters for team)

Travel & Logistics

We’re making it easier than ever to get to races:

Organised buses when we have 30+ Harriers (including supporters) travelling – enjoy pre- and post-race support and banter.
Club car-share system should numbers not permit a bus (lets avoid this!)
Clear planning and communication, including departure, pick up and return timings.

Shoes and Kit

Cross-country doesn’t require fancy or expensive gear — just the right basics.

Shoes – You have three main options:

Trail shoes — perfect for beginners; good grip; comfortable; versatile.
Cross-country spikes — best for racing; lightweight; aggressive grip; ideal for soft ground.
Hybrid shoes — cushioned like road shoes but with better traction.
Spike length guide: 9mm: firm grass,12mm: mixed ground,15mm: mud / heavy conditions.
If unsure, trail shoes are absolutely fine for Scottish XC.

Clothing

Club vest or shirt (light blue with stripe. Note training vest / colours are NOT permitted at XC).
Long-sleeve base layer (optional)
Lightweight gloves
Hat or buff
Waterproof jacket for warm-up / cool down.
Dry clothes and shoes for afterwards.
A bin bag for muddy kit.

Spotlight on XC Harriers 

Lots of information is great, but let’s hear from your fellow Harriers who’ve been there and done it and, who will be lacing up again for the 2026/27 season.

Charlotte McKay – GGH V70 champion 25/26, cross-country regular, winning age category medals and a XC Scottish Vet international team member

“I first got into cross-country after a few of the ladies in the club coaxed me into giving it a try. I didn’t really know what to expect, but I said yes — and I’m so glad I did. I absolutely love running on grass and mud, and that’s what keeps me coming back.

My favourite cross-country moment was hearing my name called out for a silver medal and then standing on the podium to receive it. That was definitely my biggest surprise — I never expected a medal when I first agreed to try XC.

For anyone new to cross-country, my best advice is to ask other runners for tips. Everyone is really helpful. I’d describe cross-country as mucky and fun — you just have to get stuck in. I don’t really have pacing advice because I just run and let my pace work itself out. I always wear trail shoes (I’ve never tried spikes, though maybe one day), and I wouldn’t race without my vest for the 10k distance at the Nationals, for carrying water and gels. My warm-up is simple: a short jog around part of the course to get a feel for it.

My favourite course is the Nationals in Falkirk, because the atmosphere is brilliant. Cross-country running has really improved my fitness on hills, and it’s given me the confidence to try any cross-country race. Training at Tower Hill with the juniors on a Sunday helps me a lot. If someone was unsure about trying cross-country, I’d tell them it’s fun and not nearly as bad as the muddy photos make it look. I’ve had a few funny moments too. The wee slope at the Nationals, where everyone was watching from the bridge — I kept sliding back down while trying to hold onto nothing. It wasn’t funny at the time, but it definitely is now.”

Stephanie Halden – Glenpark newcomer, making her cross-country debut at The Nationals in February 2026

“When I first tried cross-country, it was because I’d just run the marathon and was feeling fitter. I was new to the Harriers and wanted to try different types of running to see what all the races were about. I was never sporty in school, so I’d never done XC before — this felt like my chance to give it a go. Even though I moan and hate myself when the time comes, I do like a challenge, and finishing always feels good.

My favourite part of that first XC was actually just standing on the start line surrounded by so many strong women. It was really empowering. The whole race was a total unknown for me — I didn’t know what to expect, what the course would be like, or how it would feel. I also made the rookie mistake of wearing thick socks with someone else’s spikes, which I will never do again. My biggest learning was don’t go in with expectations. XC is challenging and rewarding, but gave me sore calves. I don’t have much pacing advice because I’m still terrible at pacing myself! When it comes to weather, I actually prefer running in proper Scottish conditions. I’m not a fan of heat. I just make sure I’ve got warm clothes for afterwards. Even though I’ve only done one

XC, the club has made me feel so welcomed overall. Everyone supports each other, no one thinks they’re better than anyone else, and I honestly wish I’d joined sooner. The team has supported me massively — especially through my marathon — whether it was checking in, encouraging me, or pushing me further than I thought I could go. If I’m running on my own, I give up, but with the Harriers I don’t.

XC has shown me I can do hard things, but I’m not an expert, yet………”

Andrew McKenzie – Glenpark newcomer, returning to XC for the first time since school and made the 6th team counter at The Nationals.

“I first got into cross country because I’d done a bit of it back in high school and thought it would be good to try again. After my marathon, XC seemed like a fun shorter distance and a good day out. Road races are all about you versus the clock, but XC feels different — you can suddenly find another gear when you think you’re done, because you know you’re helping your team. That team element gives you a boost that carries into the rest of your training and racing through the year.

My favourite moments from Nationals were flying down the hills and overtaking people — that was brilliant. Seeing an actual Olympian, Laura Muir, racing in person was amazing too. And being the final counter for the team wasn’t bad either. The biggest surprise was realising my heart rate can sit above 180 for 42 minutes without sending me to hospital. I also didn’t expect random bits of concrete on the course. The crowd support from the club was incredible, and it made me realise I’d definitely turn up to support even if I wasn’t racing.

For anyone new to XC, my number one tip is to forget trying to match your road race paces — run by equivalent effort instead. Feed off the support as you go round. Bring dry clothes and bring old clothes you don’t mind getting muddy. Baby wipes are useless against dried mud. My experience of XC was a chaotic start, then the route narrowed and you end up in your own little mini competition with the same few people. Coming into the final downhill knowing I’d “see God” to get in front of them was… motivating. I was surprised how quickly I took to spikes — they feel totally different from road shoes and make mud much easier to deal with. Spike length? Whatever Alison tells me to put on an hour beforehand. Kit wise, I think I’m obligated to say my Harriers jersey. Warm up wise, I learned my lesson: run a lap or at least part of the course so you know what’s underfoot and where it’s narrow.

I’ve only done Falkirk, but I can’t imagine any other course beating it for crowd support. After the first couple of muddy sections, you honestly stop noticing it — it feels like being back on a football pitch. Hills before a turn can feel like you’re queuing for your turn, and I’ve wondered if hiking would conserve energy… I’m assuming the answer is no.

For Scottish weather, layers and waterproof trousers beforehand are essential, plus dry clothes for afterwards. It can be a long day with staggered race times, so bring food that won’t upset your stomach before racing.

Running XC as part of a team brings back that feeling of playing football — working together, pushing for each other. In club races, I know there are people I’m not beating on any given day, but XC puts us all on the same side. Hearing folk cheer releases another bit of adrenaline that drives you on. I like how the club shifts training to include hills and trails that mimic XC, and I’ll probably try some of the XC specific sessions later in the year.

If someone was unsure about trying XC, I’d tell them that if they can finish the Harris or the Willow Bowl, there’s nothing in XC that’s beyond them. There are loads of races coming up, from 4k to 10k, so you can build up gradually. And if you think buying spikes might make you feel more “official”, you’re probably right.”

Final Message from Your Captains

Cross-country is where the club comes together. It’s messy, it’s tough, it’s fun, it’s brilliant — and it’s one of the best ways to build confidence, fitness and team spirit. If you’ve never tried XC, this is your year.