UK

Cross country runners get bogged down

Fifty-six runners headed to Helensburgh Rugby Club to take part in this year’s Northern Region Cross Country League Competition.

Organised by physical training staff at HM Naval Base Clyde, the event attracted enthusiasts from the Royal Navy, Army, RAF, civil service, as well as civilian runners.

Recent heavy rains meant that the 9km course over the rugby fields and surrounding woodlands was waterlogged – more like a bog-snorkelling competition than a cross country.

Despite a few of the runners losing their trainers to the mud along the way, the competitors were undaunted; it was clear from the very start that leading pack was hungry for a win, using one another to set the pace.

Among the leaders was Lieutenant Walkey from RAF Leuchars, Mr Thompson from Helensburgh Amateur Athletics Club (AAC) and Mr Flemming from HMS Neptune at HM Naval Base Clyde.

The ladies’ course consisted of a 5km run and there were some tough battles between Lieutenant Hollingworth from HMS Neptune and SAC Barros from RAF Leuchers.

Leading the pack from the very start, however, was Mrs Henderson from Helensburgh ACC who completed the course in an impressive time of 29.24 minutes.

Overall the team category was won by RAF personnel from RAF Leuchars, with prizes being handed out by Rear Admiral Christopher Hockley, Flag Officer Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland (FOSNNI).

Leading Physical Trainer (LPT) Mark Flowers, who organised the event, said: “I would like to say a big thank you to all the competitors, volunteers, marshals and staff who contributed to the event.

“It was a roaring success and well done to all who took part.”