#LindsaysXC: 2236 names on Falkirk entry lists from over 100 Scottish clubs

Tuesday 21st February 2023

All roads lead to Falkirk this weekend with a huge ‘family gathering’ of the athletics community in Scotland for the Lindsays National XC.

The big day at Callendar Park is always one of the most eagerly-awaited occasions in the year and 2023 will be no different.

Big fields are assured with no fewer than 2236 athletes now listed (on our Event section) for the ten races over the course of the programme.

Remarkably, the number of Scottish clubs who are represented on those start-list tops a century at 101 – that’s a whole lot of colourful vests!

In addition to those figures:

*The 405 names on the Senior Women’s entry list is the third largest over three decades since championships for men and women merged

*The 898 names on the Senior Men’s entry list is the third largest for 25 years

It is a brilliant response with last year’s event having marked a memorable return after the Covid pandemic.

Photo by Bobby Gavin

‘We’re looking forward to the Lindsays National XC at Callendar Park and want to thank clubs, and athletes and coaches, for their support in big numbers once again,’ said Mike Johnston, Convenor of our Road Running and Cross Country Commission.

‘This event has a long and successful history. The men’s competition actually dates back to 1886 when it was first contested at Lanark Racecourse, while the inaugural women’s event was at Hamilton Park Racecourse in 1932.

‘Later it started to move to various venues around Scotland, with the first visit to Callendar Park being in 1981. The venue in Falkirk has been the regular home since 2006.

‘The varied contours and surfaces of Callendar Park including the golf course and an area close to the Antonine Wall offers a wide variety of challenges for cross country running. Over the years the course has been adapted to use the different demands of the park.

‘Conditions underfoot and weather on the day have regularly had an impact and presented a further challenge to runners.

‘There’s a big team effort takes place to make the event happen – led by Falkirk Council, scottishathletics staff, Falkirk Victoria Harriers and other club volunteers (see below) – and we say ‘Thank You’ to all involved.’

Full history and archived results are on the Commission website

Photo by Bobby Gavin

As always, it takes a big effort to organise and stage the Lindsays National XC.

Host club Falkirk Victoria Harriers shoulder a significant burden and Alex Jackson has once again put together a team of 40 volunteers to operate as marshals around the course.

We’re thrilled to have 20 clubs represented by those marshals – that’s #SALtogether, right there.

Thank You to: Carnegie Harriers, Dundee Road Runners, East Kilbride AC, Edinburgh AC, Edinburgh University Hare and Hounds, Ferranti AC, Falkirk Victoria Harriers, Fife AC, Gala Harriers, Harmeny AC, Helensburgh AC, Inverclyde AC, Lasswade AC, Penicuik Harriers, Perth Road Runners, PH Racing Club, Springburn Harriers, Sri Chimnoy AC, VP Glasgow AC, Wee Country Harriers and also a group of local volunteers