Competition Report, Cross Country, Featured, News

East District Cross Country Championships – Stirling, 6 December 2025

Posted by TEL AC on
Athletes lining up to race with trees in the background
A group of male athletes, wearing various running jerseys, lined up at the start line for a cross country race, set against a grassy background.
Two athletes from Team East Lothian pose for a photo in front of a TEL Athletics Club flag at a cross country event, wearing their team uniforms and bib numbers.
Two young female athletes in Team East Lothian uniforms pose for a photo before a cross country race, surrounded by a muddy landscape and spectators in the background.

The University of Stirling provided a stunning backdrop for this year’s East District Cross Country Championships, with crisp winter air and challenging undulating terrain setting the stage for a true test of endurance. The course combined grassy stretches with very muddy sections and a few sharp climbs, demanding strength and strategy from every athlete.

Team East Lothian on the Start Line

Team East Lothian athletes arrived ready to compete across multiple age groups, proudly sporting the TEL colours. Spirits were high despite the chilly and muddy conditions.

Under 15 Girls (4.2km)

Our U15 girls showed great determination in a competitive field.

  • Abi Campbell delivered a strong run to finish 25th in 20:11, holding her pace well over the tough final climb.
  • Kate Douglas battled through the mud to claim 41st in 22:11, showing resilience and commitment to the finish.

Under 15 Boys (4.2km)

A standout performance came from Tom Ibbs, who ran superbly to take 3rd place in 15:29. Tom stayed with the lead pack throughout and produced a powerful finish to secure a podium spot – a fantastic achievement!

Under 17 Men (5.7km)

In the U17 race, Thomas Gornall impressed with a strong, controlled effort, finishing 13th in 21:57. Close behind, Frank Brown showed great determination to place 26th in 24:12, navigating the increasingly heavy ground with grit.

Under 20 Women (6.4km)

Kirsty Roden represented TEL in the U20 women’s category, finishing 19th in 33:15. Kirsty ran a smart race, maintaining pace over the demanding multi-lap course and finishing strongly.

Looking Ahead

The East District Championships marked an important milestone in the winter season, and these performances set a solid foundation for the Inter District Cross Country Championships in January.

A young female athlete running on a grassy field covered in fallen leaves during a cross country race, wearing a purple athletic uniform with the number 85.
A young female athlete wearing a Team East Lothian jersey runs on a grassy course during the East District Cross Country Championships, with visible mud on her legs and a determined expression.
A young male athlete running on a muddy cross country course, wearing a purple sports jersey with the number 618, surrounded by trees and red and white hazard tape.
A male athlete running on a grassy cross country course with fallen leaves, set against a backdrop of trees. The runner is visibly focused on the race, dressed in athletic gear.
A young female athlete from Team East Lothian, wearing a purple and blue uniform, runs on a grassy course during a cross country event, with other competitors visible in the background.
Athletes on the podium, with TEL athlete in 3rd

Race Report kindly written by Laura Gornall, and photos supplied by TEL parents.