SUNSHINE set the scene at Calendar Park Falkirk for what turned out to be a fantastic National Cross-Country Championships for Inverclyde AC.

Team atmosphere was buzzing from the start as the club entered three teams in the younger age groups for the first time since 2020.

First off was the U13 girls with Olivia Lyne taking part in her second ‘National’ leading the Inverclyde team of Iona Wilson, Layna Morgan and Cara McDougall, all competing for the first time to a splendid 13th position.

The U13 boys team was a mixture of experience with Sol Currie and Charlie Lyne competing for the second time, with first timers Ruairidh Mclellan and Fraser Stirling to finish in a very creditable tenth place.

The final junior team for Inverclyde was the U15 girls with the experience of Grace Barry and Pearl Paterson supporting Molly Farish and Lucy Neilson in their first ‘National’ to record a well-deserved 11th place.

Greenock Telegraph:

U17 women title contender, Millie McClelland-Brooks, was quietly preparing herself for her race over 6.4K. In the leading group from the start, Millie stamped her authority on the race by moving into the lead before the end of the first lap.

She then continued to extend this lead to take the title with the second longest margin of the day - 54 seconds ahead of Giffnock North’s Ruth Walsh in second place.

The Inverclyde supporters, coach, Norrie Hay, and Millie’s parents were more than delighted to see her on top of the podium to receive both her gold medal and the Lothian Trophy

In the senior women’s 10K race over three laps Nynke Mulholland-Stummer was also producing a strong performance as she maintained her position in the chasing pack and finished eighth.

Faye Currie F40 took part in her first national and can be more than satisfied with her performance as she ran more confidently as the race progressed.

The seniors men’s race was much anticipated for the Inverclyde team. Ben Potrykus was seriously contending the possibility of a medal place, as was Andy Douglas, with Mark Doherty and Robert Paterson looking to finish well in the masters groups.

In the final lap, Ben had opened a gap to be in third place with Andy part of the group chasing for the next three places. John had moved into third counter for Inverclyde with Ross Gray, Ryan Gray and Mark Doherty all finishing in the top 40 to give Inverclyde their first team medal since 2019, and a mere 16 points behind winners Central AC who took their 13th consecutive win.

Inverclyde AC were delighted with their athletes accomplishments, taking home one gold , six silver, one bronze and four team finishes in what was truly a festival of cross country running.

For more information about club activities, either go to the club website inverclydeac.org.uk and click on the dropdown button ‘Contact Us’ or email inverclydeac01@gmail.com.

Inverclyde AC is supported by Diodes Inc, Inverclyde Council, Inverclyde Leisure, Smiths of Greenock, Succession Wealth.

Inverclyde AC is an accredited club with Active Schools Inverclyde.