INVERCLYDE Athletic Club’s Jonny Glen was crowned Scottish champion after an impressive showing at the national cross country championships in Falkirk.

The GB internationalist was one of the pre-race favourites in the under-20 men’s race, having won the under-17 race last year. In horrendous wind and rain it was a steady start from the field of athletes for the first 800m. Entering into the second mile the pace increased, with a group of leaders involving Jonny breaking away from the field.

With the second lap looming, a further break away of two saw Jonny turn the screw on his opponents as he hit the front on the heavy uphill section before striding clear with 400m to go. Entering the final 150m straight, Jonny enjoyed the approach to the finish knowing a second Scottish title was in the bag – a fitting reward for the hard work and sacrifices made by him and his coaches Ian and Mark.

Earlier in the day the stage had been set by Nuala McCheyne. Fresh from her recent 800m national medal, she moved up in distance by some two miles. A sensible race plan saw Nuala always featuring in the top six. As the race moved into the more challenging final stages athletes began dropping off, leaving Nuala contesting the silver medal position for the last 800m. Rising over the final uphill section, Nuala dug deep, pulling clear of the chasing athletes to ensure a clear run home to secure her second national medal in a matter of weeks.

Inverclyde’s consistent endurance athlete Ryan Gray was a determined young man as the under-15 race began. Positioning himself in the top 10 for the first half of the race, Ryan began passing athletes as the finish approached. Passing the big local support with 400m to go, he hunted down the leaders and put himself in a bronze medal place which he held successfully, crossing the line to secure a place on the podium.

To support the individual winners, the under-20 men of Greg Williams, Michael Houston and Callum Hunter pulled their training ethos together at the right time to complete the four man team, with Jonny winning bronze in the process. With Jonny leading the race, Greg was returning to his old self, edging through the field steadily. Michael was having a solid performance, and Scottish University medallist Callum was keeping close order to allow a team medal to become a reality. Local athletics looks bright with this group of teenagers who over the coming seasons will move into the senior ranks and collectively become a force in Scotland.

Elsewhere, there were fabulous performances in the under-13 section with Cliona McCheyne returning to her best after illness and a mature run from Hannah McGeehan – her first over the very testing Falkirk course. In the boys’ race Ben Nicol benefitted from his return to training with an improved run.

In the under-15 age groups Cameron Watson had a confident return, with Sammy Hearl moving closer to the front of the field at the finish. Gillian Carmichael carried the girls’ hopes and will be happy with her performance.

Craig Ruddy was top local senior performer with another classy run from a very smooth and efficient athlete.

Over 50 Duncan McFadyen was enjoying his challenge with the younger athletes, and was the the top ‘over 50’ on the day, securing yet another national title for the local area.

Special thanks to all coaches and supporters who have travelled throughout the country since September, ensuring Inverclyde remains a visible performer in the athletics calendar.

Full details can be found at inverclydeac.co.uk