Sixontripto StirlingUni

Perth Road Runners powered to quick times at the first fixture on this year’s cross country calendar.

Six Fair City athletes made the short journey to Stirling University for the East District league event.

Sonja Crow was the sole female club representative and she finished the tough 3.6 mile course in 27:52 and in 58th position.

Alistair Gudgin was first male road runner home, completing the 5.3 mile test in 33:24, with David Knight second in 36:33 followed closely by Duncan Ryan in 36:40. Ronnie Glen finished in 38:02 and Simon Grieshaber in 42:09.

Despite being a team member short, the male team is currently sitting in 16th place. The masters’team is currently in sixth.

Not too far away, in Alva, three intrepid club members completed the ‘Run of the Mill’Scottish Hill race.

The nine mile race involved over 2700ft of ascent, followed by an extremely steep descent.

Stewart Reid was first home in 1:50:52, followed by John Rudd in 1:57:00 and David Stokoe in 2:07:29.

The running week had started with the Perth Parkrun at the North Inch.

Mark Dunn was first green vest to cross the line in 13th position overall in a time of 20:27. Close behind in 20:50 was David Sinclair while Lorraine MacPherson, who finished first female overall, clocked 21:04.

Gillian Edwards was second female road runner in 22:31. There were new personal best times for Caroline Malloy in 27:49 and Veronica Muir in 43:03.

Elsewhere, Paul Grace and Laurie Carruthers completed the St Andrews course, finishing in 21:15 and 22:48 respectively.

Further north, Richard Ward finished fourth overall at Alness Parkrun with 20:29.

The penultimate race in the club championship takes place on Sunday, October 29 with the Jedburgh half-marathon. The final race is a week later at the Templeton 10 mile race on Sunday, November 5.