A sterling show by Irvine Athletic Club

Apr 3 2009 by John Woods, Irvine Herald

IRVINE Athletic Club were among the medals at the British Masters Cross Country Championships in North Wales at the weekend – the main winter race for over 35 athletes with some of the top runners from the four home countries taking part.

The Marress outfit fielded a strong team in the men's 8k race with Brian Craig, Ian Berryman, Jim White and Colin Miller hoping for a team medal.

Colin and Brian were well placed from the start with Ian and Jim slightly further down the field and, after a fast and furious three laps Colin was first of the local runners home, finishing in 12th position with a time of 31 minutes 28 seconds, followed by Brian who clocked 31.43 for 17th spot.

Ian was 26th in 32.32 and, with Jim 94th in 37.25, it left Irvine in the silver medal spot, just 13 seconds adrift of the eventual winners.

In the Over 35 race Alex Allardyce, Dougie Connery, Jim Sneddon and Steve Connell again posted very good times for the 8k course with Alex highest placed in 28th position with a time of 30.12, Dougie 56th in 32.26, Jim 77th in 35.05 and Stevie 84th in 36.27 as Irvine stormed to another team silver.

In the ladies’ 6k race Liz McGarry and Mary Miller teamed up with Moira Connell of Troon Tortoises and they set good times with Liz finishing 59th in 29.34, Mary 73rd in 30.37 and Moira 75th in 31.00.

Irvine AC’s Sarah Munn won a superb bronze medal in the U17 women's race at the Scottish Road Race Championships at East Kilbride last weekend.

This is a great start to the 2009 road race season for the talented Irvine athlete who will compete in open road races at 5k and 10k in the coming months.