Cross Country Running Club
Meetings
The Club meets during the first two terms on Tuesday mornings at 11.00 am in Lab 416 of the Geography Department.
Membership
Membership of the Club is available to present and former pupils and past and present members of staff. Members must undertake to support the Club in its activities. An annual membership fee is charged. The School pays for race entries and transport.
Races
The Club takes part in two running leagues:
1. On Wednesdays in the Lothian Schools' CCR league (ten races between September and March).
2. On Saturdays (occasionally on Sundays) in club events of Scottish Athletics (about ten races in total). Runners involved on Saturdays must be members of Scottish Athletics.
Age Groups
The following Scottish Athletics age groups apply:
Under 11
Under 13
Under 15
Under 17 - Men
Over 17 - Junior Men
Over 20 - Senior Men
(All age groups at 31st August before season of competition)
Race Distances
1 mile maximum U 11
2 miles maximum U 13
3 miles maximum U 15
4 miles maximum U 17
Teams
A team consists of about 6 - 8 runners. The places of the first four finishers in a given team are added up. The team with the lowest total score wins. This is referred to as "4 to count". Some races require only "3 to count".
Transport
A minibus or coach is available to provide a return journey for Wednesday and Saturday races. There is no charge.
Training
The Club trains on non-race Saturdays at 10.00am in Holyrood Park and on some Wednesdays on the Meadowbank track. Seniors are encouraged to take part in a long distance run once per week. The games afternoon provides an ideal opportunity especially for younger runners to increase their weekly distance. Runners can also usefully train at home (Mr Armstrong or Mr Purves will be happy to offer advice on this matter).
Kit
Runners require an athletics singlet and blue running shorts for Saturday races. A track suit is a useful investment; (a special Club top is available to members). Training shoes suffice for some races, but on many occasions courses may be suitable for "spikes" which can lend an advantage. School uniform is worn only to School races.
School Awards
The Club awards colours for excellence and commitment in running. Half colours are awarded to runners who have maintained a good standard in running. Several boys awarded colours in the past have reached District and even International standard. Trophies can be won in the Annual House Cross Country Races. Club trophies are awarded annually to the Junior Boy who has made the best effort in training and for achievement at Senior Boys' Level.
Record
The Club has enjoyed a fine record in competition. Past successes include:
Lothian Schools' League Youth Championship:
1975 → 81, 88, 89, 1995 → 2004, 07,08,09
Senior Girl Champions:
1996, 97, 98
Senior Boy Champions:
1975, 77, 79, 80, 88, 90, 93, 94, 96 → 2000, 04 → 07
Junior Boy Champions:
1976, 85, 89, 95, 96, 2004
Scottish Schools' Championship Medallists:
1964, 65, 1977 → 82, 85, 89, 95, 96, 98, 2005, 08, 09.
East of Scotland League Winners:
1995
SAF East of Scotland Champions:
1995
National Championship Bronze Medallists:
1995, 98
East of Scotland Relay Bronze Medallists:
2004
Former Pupils
Former pupils and staff may become Club members and compete for the Club in all national competitions.
Overseas Tours
The Club made memorable visits to the United States in 1980 and 1994, to Australia in 1983 and Canada in 1987, 1992, 1999, 2002 , 2006 and 2008. Runners won a number of prizes in 10K races.
Contact
The Club Secretary can be e-mailed on da@george-heriots.com during term-time.