Running Events: Cross Country: Nth. District Champs 2015

The 2015 North District Cross country Championships were held at Quarrelwood on the outskirts of Elgin on Saturday 05 December. The day was bleak and cold with freezing rain and wind but fortunately the weather was somewhat tamed by the fact that the cross country races were in the heart of the woods running along forestry tracks. It was an eclectic mix of wide paths and narrow tracks on ground loaded with slippery tree roots and muddy puddles. Arguably it wasn't the best course to run a championship event on, but it was exciting if difficult for spectators to observe and it certainly challenged a good many runners. (See Results)

The North District Championship is the primary selection tool for the National District Championships held in Edinburgh in January 2016. The East and West districts are particularly strong as they incorporate the largest population densities and as a consequence North District can often feel a little bit outgunned. A further issue is that the North district always has to do the lions share of the travelling to take part in these events and difficult weather, distance and additional expense tends to dilute the quality of their entry especially in respect of the strong runners from our island neighbours in Shetland and the Outer Hebrides. That said, a good turn out last year did manage to throw a few spanners in the well oiled machinery of the East and West districts last year. I'd love to see that repeated in 2016.

The images above show the under 11, (non Championship), under 13 girls and boys, under 15 girls and boys, under 17 girls and boys, mens & Ladies under 20 and finally the mens and ladies open events.