Scotland Medal Winning Team

36th British and Irish Masters XC International

Roundhay Park, Leeds Saturday 15th November 2025 – Greenock Glenpark Harriers were delighted to have four runners representing their country at International level after outstanding performances at the selection races. Neil Lafferty, Paul Monaghan, Stephen Trainer and Jill Cox all made the journey south to pull on the dark blue vest of Scotland. Despite the course being one of the toughest XC routes on the calendar, with exceptionally hilly and muddy sections, the Greenock representation all did the club proud with each runner taking home at least one medal.

The British and Irish Masters Home Countries International, traditionally regarded as the most prestigious masters cross-country event, featured teams in five-year age groups ranging from V35 to V80. Ireland and the four home nations (England, Scotland, and Wales/Northern Ireland) take it in turn to host, the three previous venues had been Dublin, Glasgow, and Belfast. Historically, England have won the event overall for 32 consecutive years, from 1988 to 2019, due to their significant population advantage and larger number of active runners. However, after a two-year break caused by COVID-19, Ireland took victory in 2022. Although England wrestled the title back in 2023, the Irish side came out on top again in 2024. Making the most of their home advantage this year, England regained the overall title from Ireland, securing the victory in very wet conditions.

For the Harriers, the outstanding performance of the day came from Neil Lafferty. Neil has been steadily improving at this event over the last two years, going 10th in 2023 and 6th in 2024 in the V45 category. This year he put in an exceptional effort to scoop individual 2nd place with a time of 29:03, just 37 seconds behind English runner Alastair Watson. Neil was also a double medal winner on the day, with the Scottish V45 Team nabbing bronze.

In the M35 category, Stephen Trainer had another excellent run with 30:24, his 13th place overall finish taking 3rd Scotland runner home and going a long way toward the National side taking another bronze position.

Jill Cox had been invited by Scottish Athletics to join the National Team after some notable runs across the previous season and, despite some worrying injuries in the build up, did not let the Greenock side down, running brilliantly on the day. Jill is not a fan of cross country running and found this one particularly challenging, taking a fall at the 5k point, but picking herself up she carried on to finish 3rd Scot in her age category, helping the team toward another bronze medal.

Going out for the M50 team, Paul Monaghan showed his usual determination with another strong run of 32:47, his 5th Scotland team position doing enough for bronze and completing the medal haul for the Greenock Club.

A huge well done to the four Harriers for such an amazing effort on the day!

Full individual results HERE | Full Team Results HERE