The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Worthwhile trip as Jamie strikes gold
ATHLETICS: City runner swaps Texas humidity for win in Aberdeen’s fresh air
Dundee athlete Jamie Crowe has successfully defended his East of Scotland cross country senior title.
The anticipated duel between Central AC athlete Crowe and Scottish champion Kristian Jones, of Dundee Hawkhill, at the Aberdeen event on Saturday was thwarted with the Welshman receiving a late call-up to the GB team at the European Championships in Holland.
Crowe, however, didn’t have it easy as he was chased all the way over the 8.5km course by Michael Christoforou (Edinburgh AC).
Crowe, who studies at Lamar University in Texas, took the finish line in 27 minutes 19 seconds – three seconds clear of Christoforou, with Calum McKenzie (Corstorphine) one second adrift in third.
Central AC retained their team title, their fifth consecutive team victory.
Crowe said: “I’m a bit tired as I only flew home a couple of days ago, so I’m pleased with the result.
“I tried to get away from the others a few times but just couldn’t break clear until the final hill when I finally got a few seconds on them.
“It was a bit of a shock after the heat and humidity of Texas but it’s great to get some fresh air.”
I have to return to college at the beginning of next month, so I’ll miss the Scottish Inter-District Championships at Stirling.”
Meanwhile Morag Millar (Central AC) stamped her authority on the senior women’s 8.5km race, leading from start to finish and crossing the finish line in 30 minutes 57 seconds.
Behind Millar, Jo Williams and Annabel Simpson (Fife AC) battled out the silver medal position with the Lothian athlete prevailing over the final lap in 32.40.
Third-placed Simpson (33.07) led Fife AC to the retention of their team title and was supported by Helen Sharpe in fifth place, with Megan Crawford seventh and Jenny Spence tenth.
James Donald (Dundee Hawkhill) lived up to his favourite tag in the U20 Men’s Championship, completing the 6.5km in 21.02 – five seconds clear of Tyler White (Aberdeen).
Fife AC claimed team bronze with Tristan Rees fifth, Robert Sparks eighth and Craig Morris 17th.
Dundee Hawkhill celebrated team gold in both the U17 men’s and U15 boy’s races.
Kristof Hornyik led home the Hawkhill U17s in fourth, along with Ryan Donald in seventh and Kieran McColgan, who was 12th.
Team bronze went to the Fife trio of Iain McWhinnie, Ben Sandilands and Gavin McWhinnie.
The Hawkhill U15s team of Laurence Petty, Tejay Scott and Ryan Smith took gold, one point clear of Edinburgh.