Inverclyde Athletic Club’s Nynke Mulholland-Stummer had a stellar run in the snow to win silver in the
senior women’s race at the West District Cross Country Championships in Strathaven.
Nynke headed into the race as one of the favourites, soon finding herself in a battle for silver with
eventual winner Eve MacKinnon of Cambuslang Harriers taking a lead.
Being part of a pack of four with athletes from Bellahouston Road Runners and Garscube Harriers, Nynke
came out on top in the group, taking the silver medal by five seconds in front of Catriona MacDonald.
It also sealed a spot for Nynke on the West District team for the Inter District Cross Country
Championships.
It was a solid effort for Inverclyde in the women’s team event too, putting together a team that finished
10th
. Hannah McGeehan, a young bright spark on the squad, placed 71st
– closely followed by Kendall
Gregory in 76th
. Faye Currie completed the counting team, finishing 89th
overall and 12th
in her age
category.
Inverclyde showed strength at the front of the senior men’s race, with Andrew Douglas leading the
contingent in fourth place. In a front pack that also featured the Gray brothers, Ross and Ryan, Andy
delivered a mature performance, coming through well to be top counter.
Ryan Gray went bold with his brother Ross in the race, aiming to drop athletes and take the pace on – but
ultimately suffered the consequences with a tough last lap. It was a test of mental fortitude for the pair,
who managed to place eighth and 11
th
respectively, learning how to deal with the hard late miles in a race.
All three would seal their spots on the West District team too.
Jason Kane had a top 100 result in 88th
, followed by Robert Gray in 170th
in a field of over 200 athletes.
Also sealing their spot on the West District team was Olivia Lyne in the Under 13 girls’ race. Olivia, who
also competes in triathlon, placed seventh, with her teammate Iona Wilson finishing in a very strong 25th
position.
Olivia’s twin brother Charlie Lyne finished 31st
in the Under 13 boys’ race, close behind his teammate Sol
Currie in 23rd
.
Kiera Gregory continues to improve, having finished an impressive 20th
in the Under 15 girls’ race. The
category shows a lot of promise for Inverclyde, with Emma Binnie just 12 seconds behind Kiera in 23rd
.
Emma’s brother, Dean Binnie, would also place 38th
in the Under 15 boys’ race.
Finally, Liam Kane finished in 37th
place in the Under 17 men’s race.