Do you have any news you want to share with the club? Have you taken part (either as an athlete or a helper) in any race or event recently? Then tell us about it here. To submit a report for inclusion on the website send us an email. You can also make use of the forum to ask questions or share your experiences with other members of the club.
A record field of 335 runners set off from the Loretto School Playing fields on Saturday last in bright sunshine. Kristopher Gauson an unattached athlete not only won the race in 32m04s but was also allocated the first ‘Local’ athlete, just 3 seconds ahead of Matt Lawder with Dave Simpson just another 4 seconds back in third place, Murray Strain (HBT) from Tranent was fresh back from his 3rd place in the International Hill Race the previous week-end in Wales where he led the Scottish team to the bronze medal.
Ross Matheson (LAC) East Lothian Young Athlete for 2008, has made a fantastic start to 2009 by taking the silver medal in the under 17 boys Scottish Athletic National Cross Country Championships at Falkirk last Saturday. The expected battle for the challenge to Kilbarchan's Callum Hawkins from Andrew Chrichton(EAC) from Dunbar never materialised as he pulled up suddenly in the first mile with a pulled muscle. Ross's more conservative start saw him pull through from 5th place on the first lap to second place on the final lap to finish just 26 seconds behind Hawkins. He has now been selected to represent Scotland at the Inter-counties event in two weeks time.
East Lothian Athletics Development Group is putting on a Level 1 Officials Course. Attendance will be free (paid by ELADG)
Date: Sunday 5th April
Time: 10 am to 4pm
The club desperately needs some qualified officials for both the junior and senior club. It is open to all club members (16 and over) and parent helpers.
If you want to attend this course then please contact Gordon.
East Lothianʼs young athletes were again on a winning streak last week-end both on the dry surface at Kelvin Hall and in the mud and cold in Dunfirmline.
At Kelvin Hall in the East District Indoor Track and Field Championships Fiona Cleat (EAC) from Pencaitland won the U/17 womenʼs 60 mts dash in 8.12s on Saturday and was 4th in the final of the 200 mts on Sunday in 27.49s. Peter Loudon (EAC) from Prestonpans had a runaway solo victory in the 1500mts u/17 menʼs race in 4m32.83s on Saturday and won the 800 mts on Sunday in 2m 06.4s on Sunday. Lauren Peffers (EAC) from Dunbar was 2nd in the Senior Womenʼs 800mts in 2m18.98s.
The Scottish National Cross Country Championships take place on Stuarday the 21st February in Calendar Park in Falkirk. Details of the races taking place can be found here. This form also doubles as the permission slip for Junior participants.
Good news for the juniors! The age limit has been reduced this year so you only need to be 11 on the day. Any juniors wishing to take part should complete the form and return to Gordon Eadie (or any other coach).
Seniors should notify
of their Scottish Athletics No. and date of birth prior to Thursday 29th January, so he can send entry form away.
Here is the programme for the forthcoming East Lothian Open Cross Country Championships.
I am aware that unfortunately this clashes with the date of the last of the borders xc series. I have looked into the possibility of changing the date to sat 14th but this is impossible.
I would specifically like to invite all schools as well as clubs in East Lothian to enter age category male/female teams.
I also would like to hear from prospective helpers and officials.
As this is a championship event, and again promoting the use of Meadowmill as the potential centre of excellence for athletics in East Lothian I hope you will give it your support.
Andrew Crichton from Innerwick maintained his winning ways last Saturday at Cupar in Fife when he won the under 17 boys East District Cross Country Championship. After a titanic battle between Fraser Scott (Corstorphine AC) throughout the race, it was only over the final kilometre of the 6k undulating course that Andrew pulled away to win in 24m18s, just 11 seconds ahead of his rival. Andrew led his team Edinburgh AC to the championship award. Perhaps, just as outstanding was the performance of Ross Matheson from Tranent who runs for Lasswade AC who finished in third place just 30 seconds behind the winner. Ross has another year in the category when Andrew moves up to the Junior Mens group.
Several of East Lothian’s young athletes had outstanding performances at the second East District League Cross Country event at Broxburn last Saturday.
In the opening event for under 11’s Cameron Law from Dunbar Running club finished second in 5m16s for the 1.5k course and in 7th place just 30 seconds behind came Simon Archer (MADAC). Euan McDonald (MADAC) had his first attempt at cross country and finished 28th.
Broxburn East District Cross Country League : Saturday 22nd November
Juniors need to fill in the permission slip and return it by Wednesday 19th November. Seniors, pre-entry not required (can turn up on the day), although please confirm to Gordon Eadie (0131 665 2768) if you intend to run. Again more details on the attached form.
Cupar East District Cross Country Championship: Saturday 6th December
Juniors need to fill in the attached permission slip and return it by Wednesday 19th November. Seniors, pre-entry is required. Either fill in the form and return it to Gordon Eadie or e-mail Gordon with your Scottish Athletics No and date of birth. Gordon’s e-mail address is
The was my first official Cross Country race and it was with a mixture of excitement and trepidation that I made the trip over to Livingston on Saturday. Gordon had very kindly offered me a lift and we arrived nice and early and got set up in the field near the start. The Musselburgh tent was to prove a great success although was a challenge to get setup in the windy conditions (and without the help of written instructions). The Senior means race was last on the card so we had plenty of time to watch the other races while trying to keep warm as the conditions were a little on the blustery side.
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