Falkirk Victoria Harriers: Youngsters earn podium placings for first time since 1997 in stunning show at Lindsays National XC Relays

Scott Stirling (Pics by Bobby Gavin/Scottish Athletics)

There would have been many more athletes but due to Storm Babet, those in the north-east took the sensible decision to stay at home.

The weather in Cumbernauld ended up being glorious and near perfect weather conditions, if rather soggy underfoot, with the sun shining over the very hilly, challenging course.

Falkirk Victoria Harriers made club history on the day, thanks to the young teams.

Emily Christie (Photo: Bobby Gavin/Scottish Athletics)

The boys team, consisting of Ben Upfold, Ray Taylor and Luke Culliton came third in their relay, taking bronze, running the 7.5k course in a combined 28.02, a truly exciting race, with 69 teams taking part.

This is the first time since 1997 that a young harriers team have made it to the podium.

The runners back then took bronze at Caird Park, Dundee and the team consisted of Alisdair Stewart, Kerr Johnstone and Phillip Evens.

Meanwhile, 59 teams in total took part in the young females race and the Vics team, comprising of Skye Robertson, Emily Christie and Katie Hedges also ran their way to bronze medals in a combined time of 32:16, again a hugely exciting race with family, friends, fellow club mates and coaches providing encouragement throughout the course.

Ray Taylor (Photo: Bobby Gavin/Scottish Athletics)

This is the first time a FVH young girls team have made it to podium position since the female races records began in 1981.

Last year the young females team, in which Emily Christie also featured just missed out on podium position by coming fourth.

We also had fantastic results from the Senior men’s race, with Scott Stirling the fastest runner out of the 504 men taking part, running his 4k leg in an impressive 12:10.

Overall, his team, which included Calum Little, Gregor Hunter and Andrew McKechnie finished 16th out of 100 teams.

In the women’s 60 age category, Vics ace Fiona Matheson was the fastest in her age group, completing her 4k leg in 16:42, while her team, which included Karen McAllister and Helena Gribben finished sixth out of 14 teams.