Learning curve! Scottish duo will gain so much from World Cross experience

Saturday 18th February 2023

Two Scottish athletes were with GB and NI in Bathurst for the World Cross Country Champs

Megan Keith and Hannah Ryding raced at the Mount Panorama venue – in extremely warm conditions – and will have relished a significant learning experience by competing in a global event so far from home.

Hannah for her part came up with a very solid run to take 24th place in the Junior Women’s race.

The Giffnock North athlete placed second in terms of the British girls, as they finished sixth in the team event, and was the third European athlete across the line.

Megan Keith found it tough in the Senior Women’s race as she finished 52nd.

Inverness Harriers/Edinburgh Uni Hare and Hounds athlete Megan was racing over 10k and is not yet 21 but will now have increased knowledge about racing at this level and age group after stepping up from U23 at the Euro Cross (where she won silver).

‘It feels surreal,’ said Hannah, with temperatures in Bathurst around 30 degrees.

‘Coming from Scotland I am not used to the heat, I am used to the cold. I was expecting it to be tough and it certainly was. I just wanted to stay in the pack at the beginning.

‘The hills got to me a bit with the heat, but I am so pleased to be just behind Rebecca.’

Well done to Hannah and Megan and their coaches, Lynne Macdougall and Ross Cairns.

*Shettleston Harriers athlete, Seyd Taha Ghafari, was part of the Mixed Relay event in Bathurst as he represented the International Refugee Team.

The U20W finished 6th team overall in Bathurst ?

Rebecca Flaherty – 23rd
Hannah Ryding – 24th
Zoe Gilbody – 33rd
Megan Harris – 40th#WorldCrossCountry pic.twitter.com/LEFlse2FXA

— British Athletics (@BritAthletics) February 18, 2023