Winter Racing

There are particular races that matter to all clubs over the winter season - races that establish the place of the club in the county, in the district and in the country. It is in the interests of the club for all athletes of whatever standard to turn out in them. The three major relays - the Dunbartonshire, the West District and the National Cross Country Relays - are at the start of the season - all take place in October. They are more important than the McAndrew and infinitely more important than Kilbarchan. The McAndrews are the traditional start to the winter. It doesn't matter if you prefer road to grass or if you prefer long distance to short stuff, the club needs you in the championships. This is particularly true if you are one of the top six or seven in the club because even on a bad day you will add to the club's performance. In addition to the relays, the County, District and National Championships are all vital to the club's standing in the sport. They matter more than the Jack Crawford, the Nigel Barge or any other races on the calendar - from the club's point of view it is more important to have you on the country with the other races as a bonus.

The next most important races are those organised by Dunbartonshire clubs - the McAndrew, the Nigel Barge, the Kirkie Olympians, etc because they all contribute to the places in the Dunbartonshire Cross Country competition.

Selection should be by the club captain or by a team manager and if selected the runner should be expected to race. I'm basically harder and tougher than most in the club - one of the most enjoyable races in the winter is the Brampton to Carlisle and is a bit fo a jolly as well as a race. If a runner hadn't run in ANY of the championship relays, he should be ineligible for any subsidy on the trip as far as I am concerned. If he/she won't do it for the club, the club shouldn't do it for them!