Cross Country: Merchiston Races

Belhaven cross-country teams have a good day at Merchiston Races

This week we took thirty-six pupils to Merchiston for the annual XC relay races, a welcome opportunity to run again just two days after our own S.I.S.I.C.C.C.

The two teams of U9 boys ran the three 1 km legs impressively, with a very even spread of boys regardless of whether they were nominally in the A- or B-team.  Xander, in particular, caught the eye with a storming run.  The U9 girls, appearing for the first time, got great experience and did themselves proud.

We had three teams of U11 boys and they gave their all, with Charlie T. the pick of a strong bunch.  The U11 girls also did well, Maggie running on through injury, Molly showing guts and Emily showing just what an excellent runner she is destined to go on to become, in beating her nearest opponent by over a minute, having started 30 seconds behind her.

In the U13 girls our six girls gave literally all they had; Louisa needing a good sit down to recover at the finish and Alice ran so hard that the emotion of the determination spilled over – some effort.  They finished a creditable fifth.  The U13 boys fielded three teams of three and there were several star performers.  Jamie ate up the ground as he strode, Archie was the third fastest on his leg, Rafe did well in his first run back after a serious injury and Alfie, as ever ran effectively and imposingly throughout.  Fourth place went to the A-team in the end and seven of these nine will be back in the same race next year and stand an excellent chance of victory then.

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Well done everyone.