Conditions make it hard for Ruddy

Published 18 Nov 2009 14:00

Craig Ruddy of Inverclyde AC took part in the first of the McCain UK Cross Challenge International races for Scotland at Gateshead on Saturday.

Conditions underfoot were very tricky after the appalling, heavy rain that fell overnight prior to the event held on the famous Riverside Bowl course.

After some more horrendous showers during the programme of 11 races before the start of the senior men's race, the course became very heavy and churned up, with the mud ankle deep in places over many parts of the course, especially on the final hill of three on each lap.

Craig found these conditions very tough and this was reflected in his performance. He said that he was disappointed that he did not produce his usual run in these trying conditions.

Craig finished as the third counter for the Scottish team which finished second behind a strong English team that packed their counters within the first five finishers.

Current Scottish Cross Country champion, Alistair Hay of Central AC, led the Scottish team home with an excellent sixth place finish.

The experience gained at this level of competition and conditions, in his first senior cap at cross country, will be invaluable for Draig's future. It will set him up for what he has to do at the second McCain UK Cross Challenge's at Liverpool on 28 November.

Earlier in the day the defending champion - Stephanie Twell of Aldershot, Farnam and District - on her Scottish debut, demolished the senior women's field with an impressive victory. Local lady athlete Elspeth Curran from Langbank was the third Scottish woman home in an excellent 16th place overall in her first race over the senior distance of 8K.

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 18 Nov 09

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