Peeblesshire News | Sport | Fall fails to stop Chris in his tracks

Friday, 5th December, 2008

Published: Friday, 11th January, 2008 12:30

Fall fails to stop Chris in his tracks

By David Knox

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TUMBLING Chris O’Hare has stretched his lead in the UK Cross Challenge series.

The teenager, from West Linton, won the penultimate cross-country race in the Under-17 age group at Belfast despite falling on the final lap.

With a win at Gateshead and a second in Liverpool already under his belt, the 17-year-old was leading the national series prior to Saturday’s event on the Stormont Estate.

But the Dave Campbell trained national champion moved even further clear with a tremendous win to beat almost 70 other runners.

Dad Terry told the Peeblesshire News: “There were some really good runners in his age group and Chris tucked in behind them on the first two laps.

“He kicked away on the final lap and was about 40 metres clear of the second placed runner when he fell at a corner.

“It was really slippy with the snow and mud, but he managed to get back to his feet and hold on to the finish.”

The points for breaking the tape in Belfast puts Chris clear of the field going into the final event in Nottingham in March.

But with double points on offer for the last race there is a mathematical chance he could still be caught.

Terry added: “We haven’t done all the mathematics yet but he is almost over the finishing line.

“The UK Cross Challenge is a major title for Chris.”

The Peebles High pupil hurt his knee when falling at Stormont, but is expected to recover in time to compete this Saturday at the BUPA Great Edinburgh International Cross Country.

Chris has been selected to compete for the Scotland Under 20 team in a home nations race as part of the festival of running throughout Saturday.

Stars such as former world champion Gelete Burka from Ethiopia, Kenyan challenger Vivian Cheruiyot, and GB hopefuls Hayley Yelling and Helen Clitheroe will also be racing round the Holyrood track in the ladies races.

While in the men’s race, holder Kenenisa Bekele from Ethiopia leads a class field that includes world champion Zersenay Tadesse.

But most local eyes will be sharply focused on the supporting inter-district races – where another O’Hare will be hoping to make a name for herself.

Olivia will join Hannah Jones, from Galashiels, in the East Under-13 girls team to compete in the Scottish Inter-District Championships.

And in the East Under 15 girls team Scout Adkin from Peebles will be hoping to make a mark for herself against the best in the country.

Coach Gregor Nicholson said: “Scout was selected last year but she was unwell and didn’t run as well as she can. She has been running well recently and was close to the medals at the trials.

“It is always a big occasion but we are confident Scout will have a big run.”

In the senior women’s race, Kate Jenkins, from Peebles, will join Hawick policewoman Diane Lauder in the East team.

Racing at Holyrood Park starts at 10.40am with the afternoon feature races being televised live.

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