Competition Report, Cross Country, News

Race Report: Team East Lothian at Lanark – 8th Nov 2025

Posted by TEL AC on
A large group of young male athletes racing in a cross-country event on a grassy field, with spectators cheering in the background.

Event: Lindsays Short Course XC Championships
Venue: Lanark Racecourse
Date: Saturday 8th November 2025
Distances:

  • U15: 2km
  • U17: 3km
  • Senior/U20/Masters: 4km

Conditions & Atmosphere

Lanark delivered classic cross-country conditions: soft ground, light rain, and a fast, undulating course. With over 1,200 athletes competing, the atmosphere was electric. Team East Lothian athletes rose to the challenge, producing strong performances across all age groups.

U15 Girls (2km)

Three young female athletes posing together, with one wearing a racing number. They are standing in a field with spectators and event tents in the background.
  • Ava Rose Curtis – 34th (00:07:27)
  • Abi Campbell – 44th (00:07:40)
  • Kate Douglas – 71st (00:08:19)

  • All three showed determination on a fast course, working hard and finishing strongly.
A competitive cross-country race featuring female athletes running on grass, with one athlete in focus wearing a purple and blue team jersey and glasses, alongside other competitors in colorful uniforms.
Two female athletes competing in a cross-country race, running closely together on a grass track, with spectators in the background.

U15 Boys (2km)

  • Tom Ibbs delivered a superb run in a stacked field, securing a top-five finish.
A teenage boy wearing a purple and blue athletic uniform, numbered 83, running on a grassy course with spectators in the background.

U17 Girls (3km)

  • Heidi Nicholson – 38th (00:13:44)
    Heidi battled through a competitive field, maintaining pace and composure over the longer distance.
A young athlete smiling at the camera, wearing a purple tank top with 'TEL' printed on it and race number 69, standing in a field with other runners in the background.

U17 Boys (3km)

  • Joe Smith – 8th (00:09:52)
  • Thomas Gornall – 25th (00:10:18)
  • Frank Brown – 57th (00:11:25)
    Joe’s top-10 finish was a standout performance, with Thomas and Frank adding valuable depth to the team effort.
Two male athletes competing in a cross-country race on a grassy course, with one wearing a purple vest numbered 86 and the other in a white vest. The background features a cloudy sky and sparse trees.
A young male athlete in a purple and blue running jersey, number 84, leads a group of competitors during a cross-country race on a grass track, with trees in the background.
Three young male athletes in purple jerseys smiling together at a cross country event, with tents and spectators in the background.

Senior Women (4km)

  • Kirsty Roden – 120th (00:16:39)
    Kirsty embraced the challenge of a national field, finishing with grit and consistency.

Senior Men (4km)

  • Aidan Page – 57th (00:12:35)
  • Fraser Lupton – 93rd (00:12:57)
  • Jamie Smith – 102nd (00:13:04)
    Strong runs from our senior men, holding their own against Scotland’s best and building momentum for the season.

Highlights & Takeaways

  • Top Performances: Tom Ibbs (U15 Boys) and Joe Smith (U17 Boys) led the way with top-10 finishes.
  • Team Depth: Excellent representation across all age groups.
  • Momentum: These results set TEL up perfectly for the East District XC and National XC later this season.

Article written by Laura Buchan, with thanks to the parents who shared the photographs.