Cross-country kings after 58 years
Four members of East Kilbride Athletic Club were on top form in October after earning a prestigious title for the first time in the club’s 58-year history.
A senior squad comprising Aidan Gilbride, Martin Lynas, John Fergusson and Grant Baillie won the West of Scotland Cross Country Relay Championships at Hamilton Park racecourse to end almost six decades of near misses.
Nineteen-year-old Aidan, from Lindsayfield, ran a solid first leg, coming home in third place over the testing course before Martin had a tremendous run to keep the team in contention, remaining in third place.
He handed the baton over to John Fergusson, who powered the team through to the silver medal position by the time he handed on to Grant Baillie.
Grant used all of his experience to slowly close down the gap on Cambuslang Harriers, moving into the lead with just 800m to go. He then produced a storming finish to win the title by approximately 100m. A club spokesman said: “Congratulations must also go to the club’s endurance coaches Jamie Clements and Niall Walker who have had the lads on a long term plan for success which is now starting to bear fruit.”
There was more good news for the club that month as Greg Kelly won two silvers at the Scottish championships – and competed in front of the Queen.
He was just pipped for the gold at the under-20 championships at Scotstoun in a time of 22.00 seconds. Just a week later he performed even better when securing a silver at the Scottish senior championships in a personal best time of 21.86.
Kelly also competed in the 80m championship at Braemar, finishing third in front of the Queen.
He said: “Racing in front of the Queen was really good.
“She made a one-hour appearance and it made for a great atmosphere. I enjoyed racing in front of a big crowd.”