INVERCLYDE was represented with distinction earlier this month at the Inter District Cross Country Championship meet in the east end of Glasgow as six athletic stars helped contribute to a four medal haul.

Inverclyde Athletic Club were represented by six athletes competing for the West District, who helped secure one gold and three silver team medals, whilst an additional six juniors and one senior also took part in the British Cross Country Challenge races incorporated into the event.

Molly, Lucy and Cara. (Image: Supplied)

Inverclyde AC was well represented in the U13 race and across the age groups. (Image: Contributed) Alexandra Park still had a blanket of frost and ice, giving all the competitors difficult conditions under foot. Freezing temperatures and a low mist only added to the challenge.

In the first race of the day, the Inverclyde trio of Rosie Callan, Rosa Currie and Annie Henry were taking part in the Open race.

All ran with determination and acquitted themselves admirably.

Special mention must go to Annie, who was competing for the first time since sustaining a dislocated knee last year and was rather nervous at the start.

However as the race progressed, she regained her confidence.

Louis Reid was competing for the West District team in the under 13's boys race, and a strong second lap had him finishing in his team position and helping the West to their second silver of the event.

Team spirit was high in the under 15's girls’ race as six Inverclyde Athletic Club representatives competed on two fronts.

Grace Barry was back in action (Image: Supplied)

Nuala Munro (Image: Contributed) Grace Barry, Oliva Lyne and Nuala Munro were competing for the West with Cara McDougall, Lucy Neilson and Molly Farish in the open race.

Grace finished well in 11th place, maintaining her team position, with Olivia moving up three places to finish seventh.

Competing for the first time at this level, Nuala grew in confidence as the race moved into the final stages and more than justified her selection.

Olivia Lyne (Image: Contributed) Cara was next to finish, beating a number of athletes wearing district vests. Not far behind her were Lucy and Molly, who both rans strong second laps.

The spirit and determination of this group, in both training and competition, is a great boost for their coaches who are more than delighted with the inclusive attitude of all the group.

Team spirit was at an all time high in tough conditions (Image: Supplied)

Nynke Mulholland (Image: Contributed) The group are now looking forward to the Road Race Championships which the club are hosting on Sunday February 2, in the Battery Park, before looking forward to the National Cross Country Championships at the end of February.

Competing for the West District in the senior women’s race over eight kilometres was Nynke Mulholland, who showed her renowned strength and determination as she finished overall in seventh place and fourth for the West team to earn a gold team medal.

Flurries of snow added to the conditions that the last race of day experienced with the senior men racing over the same distance.

Competing for his university, unde- 23 athlete Peter Bradshaw finished in a very creditable 12th place.

Peter Bradshaw was on top form (Image: Bobby Galvin)

Alan Callan (Image: Contributed) Not far behind was Ross Gray, who was also competing for the West District team.

Ross was another Inverclyde Athletic Club athlete to improve on his finishing place at the West District Championships late last year, finishing sixth for the team and claiming another silver medal.

Alan Callan was taking part in the open race as part of his return to racing, and was delighted given the conditions to have achieved all of the goals and targets that he had set for the race.

A club spokesperson said: "Thanks to Alan Callan who had also team managed the junior athletes and set up the club tent all before he raced himself.

"Our thanks also goes to coaches Rhona Bushfield and Norrie Hay, who encouraged the athletes around the course and to the parents and families for their support."

For more information about club activities and sessions for both juniors and seniors, either go to the club website at 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, Inverclyde Warm Hands of Friendship, Smiths of Greenock, Succession Wealth. Tesco ‘Stronger Starts