Muddy marvels

MACLENNAN AND CROWE TAKE SCOTTISH SENIOR TITLES AS THE WEATHER PROVIDES A STERN TEST AT CALLENDAR PARK

MHAIRI MACLENNAN insisted that every competitor was deserving of a medal after she claimed her second Lindsays Scottish National cross country title at Falkirk in what were incredibly testing conditions.

The Great Britain international added to the gold she won at Callendar Park in 2018, while in the senior men’s race there was a similarly dominant performance over the mud from Jamie Crowe as he led Central AC to the senior men’s team title for the 10th year in a row.

Not only were the underfoot conditions particularly challenging given the recent wet weather but overhead the rain, sleet and wind made it a particularly difficult day for competitors.

Yet, in a real testament to the esteem in which this event is held, thousands still came from all over Scotland to test themselves against the elements.

Maclennan, running for Inverness Harriers, came home in 39:44 to enjoy a winning margin of 30 seconds over Fife AC’s Annabel Simpson, while bronze went to Moira Stewart of Cambuslang Harriers.

With Simpson in second and Steph Pennycook fourth, Fife AC had the platform for a repeat of their 2019 team success with all their six counters inside the top 21 in a race which had attracted a record entry of 433 women. Fife AC were joined on the team podium by Shettleston Harriers and Edinburgh University Hare and Hounds.