GALA Harriers celebrated another golden year, marking the achievements of their athletes at their annual presentation night.

More than 50 members attended the evening at Ladhope Clubhouse last Saturday with athletes being presented with trophies and medals for their performances at club, local, district and national levels.

Gala Harriers President Graeme Murdoch said that the local club was “continuing to punch above its weight” with soaring membership numbers and podium finishes at various events.

“Tonight is a celebration of achievements throughout the year, not just at club races and championships but also races further afield," he added.

“Gala Harriers continues to punch above its weight and is held in very high regard as one of the top clubs in Scotland.

“With 167 junior members and 90 senior members we have a huge membership and there will not be many clubs locally to rival that. Well done to all of you.".

Presentations were made to athletes by Male Club captain Gary Trewartha and Female Club captain Joeleen McKean.

The awards were handed out to athletes competing in club races and National XC Championships.

Trophies were also given to the most improved junior and senior athletes.

Yousuf Khursheed was presented with the award for the juniors after having “brilliant results right across the board” over the past year. He was part of the silver medal-winning National Junior Road Race team and was a member of the team which competed in the National XC Championships. He competed in his first hill race this year at Cademuir and as a result of that was selected for the Scottish team which went on to medal at the Junior Hill Running Championships.

“This is thoroughly deserved and I think he will continue to make great strides over the next year as well,” Graeme said.

Most improved senior athlete was Sara Green. Graeme said that Sara had had a “fantastic year” since joining the club just over a year ago.

“She hasn’t stopped improving since, recording personal bests in the 5k, 10k and half marathon distances. She is just back from Derry after being selected for the Scotland team for the British and Irish Masters in her first year with the club. She works really hard and I’m sure she will continue improving over the winter and into next season,” Graeme added.

Several members were also recognised for representative honours at district and national level, as well as for achieving personal bests in the marathon.

The club’s juniors were also recognised for receiving the Ettrick and Lauderdale Clubsport Team of the Year award.

Graeme thanked all of the coaches for the “phenomenal amount of time and effort they put into the club”, as well as parents and carers for their commitment.

He concluded by thanking the athletes for all the hard work they put in.

Results

Ladhope XC Junior race – 1st Ross Christie; 2nd Ellie Darlow; 3rd Erin Gray.

Senior race – 1st Eileen Nicol; 2nd Kate Darlow; 3rd Anya Campbell.

National XC Championships – 1st male: Harrier Darrell Hastie; 1st female Harrier: Kirstin Maxwell.

Hollybush 10km – 1st Gavin Brown; 2nd Jan Brown; 3rd Shelagh King.

Gala Harriers 10km- 1st Harrier: Darrell Hastie.

Junior Club Championships

U11 boys – 1st Ross Christie; 2nd Callum Henderson; 3rd Nairn Moncrieff.

U11 girls – 1st Erin Gray; 2nd Ellie Darlow; 3rd Kirsty Rankine.

U13 boys – 1st Ewan Christie; 2nd Cameron Rankine; 3rd Archie Hendry.

U13 girls – 1st Isla Paterson; 2nd Maria Imray.

U15 boys – 1st = Robin Lowthian and Gregor Collins; 2nd Jack McDonald.

U15 girls – 1st Emma Brus.

U17 boys – 1st Jake Shepherd.

U17 girls – 1st Caris Brus; 2nd Kate Scott.

Track 800m

1st male – Faisal Khursheed; 2nd Yousuf Khursheed; 3rd Marcus D’Agrosa.

1st female – Zoe Pflug; 2nd Sara Green; 3rd Katie Rourke.

5KM Kaeside

1st male – Marcus D’Agrosa, 2nd Tim Darlow; 3rd Rory Campbell.

1st female – Jenny Forbes; 2nd Sara Green; 3rd Gillian Duncan.

Henderson race 2017

1st Craig Mattocks; 2nd Andrew Lawrie; 3rd Gary Trewartha.

Club XC Championships 2017

1st male – Marcus D’Agrosa; 2nd Bob Reid; 3rd Andrew Lawrie.

1st female – Kirstin Maxwell; 2nd Kate Jenkins; 3rd Katie Rourke.

Niel Potts Trophy

1st Graham Hendry; 2nd Katie Rourke; 3rd Eileen Maxwell.