TWO young runners from Inverclyde have won the Boys’ Brigade annual Scottish Cross Country Championships, which took place at Drumpellier Country Park.

Cameron Watson, from the 1st Greenock Company, was the fastest in the junior race, finishing the 3km course in eight minutes and 44 seconds, while Jonathan Glen, also from 1st Greenock, was first in the senior 5km race, finishing in 17 minutes and 31 seconds.

An Inverclyde team of BB members also scooped the team trophy for completing the senior (5km) course in the quickest time.

The team included Jonathan Glen (1st Greenock), Robert Todd (1st Greenock), Brad Cleary (2nd Gourock) and Nathan Collins (2nd Port Glasgow).

The BB Scottish Cross Country Championships is an integral part of the organisation’s calendar, and each year brings together more than 150 young people aged between 11 and 18, from across Scotland, to compete in a series of races including a gruelling 5km challenge.

Friends and family turned out in force to cheer on the competitors around the park. Cameron and Jonathan were presented with their trophies by representatives of Airdrie Savings Bank, the event sponsor.

Bill Stevenson, director of The Boys’ Brigade in Scotland, said: “It was terrific to see so many young people get involved.

“Drumpellier Country Park was a superb venue and well done to everyone who took part, including Cameron and Jonathan.

“The cross country championships are an example of the many local and national BB events which promote an active and healthy lifestyle, and it’s encouraging that we have attracted more young people to the event this year.

“This event is one of the few occasions in which we can bring together large groups of BB members from across Scotland, including Inverclyde, Stirling, Falkirk and Glasgow.” Douglas Hazlie, organiser of this year’s championships, said: “We were delighted to welcome BB runners from around the country to participate in the event and I would like to express my thanks to everyone who attended as competitors, supporters, volunteers and national staff. “Also, a special thanks to our main sponsors Airdrie Savings Bank and NL Leisure for invaluable assistance.” The event started in 1938 when a senior race between Edinburgh, Leith and Kirkcaldy was held.

It has since grown year on year, attracting 13 Battalions and 150 competitors in 2014.

Pictured above are the Inverclyde Senior Team collecting their trophies after the championships.