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Inter District Championships, Glasgow – 10 Jan 2026

Posted by TEL AC on

Congratulations to Joe Smith, Thomas Gornall and Tom Ibbs who were all selected to represent Scotland East District in last Saturday’s Scottish Inter District Championships at Alexandra Park, Glasgow.

Three young male athletes posing together after a race, wearing medals and uniforms marked 'Scotland East'. They stand in front of a podium on grassy terrain with a banner in the background.
Two male runners competing in a cross country race, with one wearing a black jersey labeled 'Scotland East' and the other in a blue jersey labeled 'Scotland West'. Spectators can be seen in the background.
New Years Sprint 2026
Copyright Bobby Gavin
Five female athletes pose together after a competition, wearing their team uniforms and race numbers, with a Scottish athletics tent in the background.
Group of teenage athletes standing on a podium after a race, wearing medals and athletic gear, with a 'Scottish Athletics' banner in the background.
A young male athlete wearing a black and white Scotland jersey competes in a running event, showing determination as he runs past blurred spectators in the background.

Joe and Thomas ran in the U/17 race and Tom in the U/15’s.

All had great runs with Tom coming second overall in his race and winning an individual Silver medal and helping his East District U/15 team to Team Gold.

In the U/17 race Joe was 11th overall and Thomas 21st overall on the tough, hilly course and both gave 100% for Scotland East U/17’s to pick up Team Silver. Joe being 5th counter for the top 6 East athletes.

Alexandra Park is a good venue but I couldn’t help remembering when the Scottish Inter District Championships were held annualy in Holyrood Park before the televised BUPA Great Edinburgh Intenational XC where the world’s best athletes came to compete. Watching the likes of Eluid Kipchoge, Kennesike Bekele and Mo Farah run over the same course as the youngsters had done earlier was a great inspiration to all who were there.

Incidentally, running in the U/13, U/15 and U/17 East teams at that time ( 2008-2011) were Jake Wightman, Josh Kerr, Laura Muir and Elish McColgan. ( None of these future Scottish World and Olympic Champions won an individual medal and Laura and Jake were usually just inside the top 20 ). With dedication and committment the sky is the limit for our talented youngsters.

Also must mention from Saturday 2 other East Lothian athletes, Musselburgh’s Laurence Scott-Watson who was selected for the East District U/13 Boys team and was 29th overall and 13th team counter. And last but not least Emily Atkinson who ran in the Girls U/17 race against the top East, West and North District athletes and finished top of the podium in First Place. Well Done, Emily.

Footnote:

The next chance for all TEL athletes to compete in Cross Country is this Saturday’s final East District League match at Bathgate. No need to pre-enter. Just turn up and run in your TEL vests. If you let one of the coaches know if you might come along we can have your number ready for you.

More Details here https://www.salroadrunningandcrosscountrymedalists.co.uk/…

Remember, the East District Cross Country races are fun and where future World Champions are made.

Our thanks to author – Willie Jarvie