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Walker's Shortbread North District Cross Country League gets underway at Grant Park in Forres with Moray Road Runners’ Gemma Cormack beginning title defence with victory





Gemma Cormack began the defence of her north cross country title with victory in the opening race.

Renamed the Walker's Shortbread North District Cross Country League, the competition began in sunny conditions at Grant Park in Forres.

Gemma Cormack on her way to victory. Photo: Kellie Main
Gemma Cormack on her way to victory. Photo: Kellie Main

Moray Road Runners star Cormack took the senior women’s crown in 2023 and started off in style after a close battle with Katie Meek of Inverness. Cormack won by five seconds in 31.51 for maximum points, and she was part of the MRR women's team finishing second alongside Jess Haworth, Grace Jenkins and Kayleigh Edwards.

Forres Harriers were third female team home.

Forres runner Kirstie Rogan, competing for Highland Hill Runners was third senior woman to the finish, leading her team to first in the standings.

The senior men’s reigning champ, James Wilson was also involved in a great race at Forres but had to settle for second spot behind winner Ruaridh Gollan of East Sutherland.

There was a 1-2-3 for Forres Harriers in the female veteran 50 category as Hilary Cameron came in first in 35.49 and club colleagues Susan McRitchie and Paula Boon were second and third.

James Wilson pushes on. Photo: Kellie Main
James Wilson pushes on. Photo: Kellie Main

In the junior races, Moray Road Runners finished second team in the under-11 girls as Henriika Blunden ran a fine race to take a silver medal just nine seconds behind the winner. Cora Fisher and Isla Paterson joined her in finishing as second team.

Isla Harrison finished seventh for Elgin Amateur Athletics Club.

In the under-11 boys, Forres Harriers’ Jacob Forwood ran well to gain fifth place while the Forres team finished third.

Lili Sharman and Roger Long of Moray Road Runners started life in their new under-13 age category with sixth place finishes after winning the under-11 titles last year.

Hugh Cumming and Rhys Patterson joined Roger Long in winning second team prize for MRR.

Henriika Blunden (left) on the podium. Photo: Kenny Wilson
Henriika Blunden (left) on the podium. Photo: Kenny Wilson
Roger Long, Hugh Cumming and Rhys Patterson won the under-13 boys. Photo: Col Cumming
Roger Long, Hugh Cumming and Rhys Patterson won the under-13 boys. Photo: Col Cumming

In the under-13 boys race, Fraser Herron finished second for Forres Harriers. Club colleague Austin Davis was seventh in the under-15 boys.

Taking over as race organiser this year is former winner and Scottish international runner Kenny Wilson. He said he was delighted with how the first event of the season went and is encouraging more athletes to come along and compete.

"I know there’s a lot of talented juniors training with various clubs across Moray and it would be great to see more of them competing in the league,” he said.

“It really is for all abilities across all age groups and is such a great way of meeting people from across the whole of the north of Scotland.’

The next event is on Saturday November 16 hosted by Ross County.


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