Bristow’s Scots chance

For the third successive year a Shetland athlete has been selected to run for Scottish Schools in their international match against England, Ireland and Wales.

Lerwick runner Bobby Bristow will represent Scotland at Bangor in Wales on 28th March, following the achievements of his sister Katie last year and Joshua Morrison in 2007.

Bobby’s selection followed his participation in the Scottish Schools Cross Country Championships at Irvine.

Bobby started well and was comfortably placed in the large leading pack. As the race developed and the field thinned, he found himself in a battle with the son of former world record holder Steve Cram.

With a mile remaining Bobby made his move. Increasing the gap he found extra inspiration when running past Cram senior who was encouraging his son for one last effort.

With the first eight finishers making up the international team, Bobby finished in that coveted eighth place, covering the distance of just over three miles in 18 minutes 50 seconds.

The other Shetland athletes, all representing the Anderson High School, ran well but unfortunately finished outside the international team placings.

In the younger girls’ race Lauren Odie produced her best run of the season with 34th position.

Katie Bristow and Emma Leask were in the next girls’ age group and both made good starts. However, they were unable to maintain the momentum with Katie finishing 11th and Emma 22nd.

Joshua Morrison in the senior boy’s race finished a creditable 13th.