A team of 26 Harriers made the short journey to Kilmarnock for the West District Cross Country Relays, greeted by perfect conditions both overhead and underfoot. The 4km course offered a fast opening kilometre across flat grass before twisting into a loopy, technical middle section that tested even the strongest runners. A final stretch allowed athletes to open up again and finish fast.
First to take on the course were our senior ladies, with Glenpark fielding 11 runners, one of our largest female turnouts in recent years. The squad included several of our newest members, many experiencing cross country racing for the first time. Their enthusiasm and commitment set the tone for a memorable day, fittingly during Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week.
The standout performance on the day came from our Veterans Ladies team, delivering a thrilling race from start to finish. The relays provide and exciting race to watch as team captains debate the best order to race their athletes, using their strengths to aid the team performance. Jill Cox led off with a blistering 14:43, handing the team a 30 second lead over the chasing Giffnock and Garscube teams. Lorna Mitchell took the baton next, taking on the tough mental battle knowing the athletes would be hunting her down. However, Lorna paced her leg sensibly and held on strong to keep the team in second place. On the anchor leg, birthday girl Fiona MacFarlane showed tactical maturity, grit and strength. Neck and neck with Garscube’s runner in the final kilometre, Fiona’s endurance kicked in, powering through the last 500m to secure a well-earned silver medal, improving on the bronze from 2021 and marking the club’s highest overall finish in a decade (21st).
Lindsays West District XC Relays 2025 Copyright, Bobby Gavin.
Three more Glenpark ladies teams battled it out, finishing within just six places of each other. Ashley Anderson clocked the second-fastest GGH time of the day (16:02), while newcomers Rebecca McCluckie, Clare Leung, Monika Fischer-Keogh, Rachel McDaid, Maureen Doherty, and backed up by Lynsey Mooney, all embraced the challenge with determination and team spirit. Their presence and performance reflect the growing strength and inclusivity of our women’s squad.
Ladies Results:
- Masters Team (2nd place): Jill Cox (14:43), Lorna Mitchell (16:56), Fiona MacFarlane (16:54).
- A Team: Ashley Anderson (16:02), Rebecca McCluckie (20:01), Rachel McDaid (21:07).
- Masters B Team: Cheryl Thomas (19:12), Clare Leung (18:14), Lynsey Mooney (20:44).
- Masters C Team: Lorna MacMillan (20:26), Monika Fischer-Keogh (21:39), Maureen Doherty (21:27).
Lindsays West District XC Relays 2025 Copyright Bobby Gavin.
In the senior men’s race, 15 Harriers lined up with hopes high for the A team, the strongest line-up the club has fielded in years. The first leg was entrusted to the youngster, Lewis McCrae, who kicked things off with a confident race, battling with some of the quickest runners in the district. Lewis clocked 12:02, the second-fastest club time of the day bringing the team home in 11th position. Scotland Masters selectee, Stephen Trainer, followed with a composed run over the entire course bringing the team home in 12th place and with the gap closer on the top places. A top 10 finish was finish was thinking touching distance. Despite a recent slump in form, Andy McCall put in a strong performance, gaining one more place before handing over to club champion Dylan Crawford. Dylan continued his rich vein of form, storming around the course in 11:41, recording the 21st fastest time of the day, securing 8th place overall, the club’s best men’s result since 2014.
The B and C teams also impressed, with strong runs from Daniel Doherty, Oliver Reilly, Michael McLoone and most notably, Lewis Khan who finished under 13 minutes. Our Masters team of Daniel Doherty, Gavin Morrison, Michael McLoone (Snr) and Steven Campbell finished 5th, narrowly missing out on medals.
Lindsays West District XC Relays 2025 Copyright Bobby Gavin.
There was a touch of nostalgia too, as Stephen Trainer, Michael McLoone and Andy McCall reunited at this event for the first time since 2010.
Men’s Results:
- 8th Team: Lewis McCrae (12:02), Stephen Trainer (12:12), Andy McCall (12:33), Dylan Crawford (11:41).
- 31st Team: Oliver Reilly (13:42), Aaron Fulton (15:08), Michael J McLoone (13:47), Lewis Khan (12:53).
- 5th Masters Team: Daniel Doherty (14:10), Gavin Morrison (15:03), Michael McLoone (14:12), Steven Campbell (13:20).
- D Team: Steven Smith (17:21), Alan O’Rourke (17:33), Christopher Mooney (15:01).
Thanks to Bobby Gavin for providing the images via Scottish Athletics.