Open Cross Country Championships
Friday 13 March 2026
Balgownie Playing Fields, Bridge of Don
General Information
On arrival:
Race Numbers:
All Teachers in charge of teams should report to the Albyn School Tent to collect their school numbers. Alternatively, schools can pre-collect numbers from Albyn School reception from 12 noon on Thursday 5 March. It may be easier to distribute numbers prior to departure for the event. Competitors must supply their own safety pins.
Each competitor will have an individual number, which must be worn on the FRONT of the top they will be running in attached with 4 safety pins. The numbers are chipped so it is vital that the numbers are securely fastened.
Declaration:
Courses:
Parking:
Changing:
Supervision of pupils:
Schools should declare by 9.00am for primary and 11.00am for secondary.
The race courses are suitable for spikes and are open for inspection and warm up from 8.45am. No pupils will be allowed on to the course after the first race has started. The course is currently very muddy. The course will be marked and stewarded but teachers should ensure that their pupils know the route. Please note that pacing of competitors is forbidden and could lead to disqualification.
There will be parking and turning in the main car park for minibuses and coaches only.
There will be changing facilities in the pavilion. However, it would be appreciated if athletes came already changed.
As approximately 1850 competitors will be taking part in the event, full responsibility of supervision is on the accompanying school representative and we request that every effort is made to keep the facility free from litter and in a tidy condition.
Assembly:
First Aid:
Officials:
Competitors must assemble in the appropriate enclosure 15 minutes before the event time. Thereafter, they will be directed to the start. Each school needs to give their pupils a number from 1-8 (fastest to slowest) as pupils will be lined up in order to allow each school the opportunity to get their fastest runner out first.
First Aid will be onsite and located in the fist aid room and will be clearly visible.
The named official from each school should report to Jimmy Lamont (Albyn School) on arrival at the event. Your officiating role will be included in your competition pack.
Declaration 9.00am for Primary School Races
Race Age Group Last Assembly Race Starts Distance
Race 1 P4 Boys 9 50am 9 55am 1000m
Race 2 P4 Girls 9 55am 1000am 1000m
Race 3 P5 Boys 1000am 1005am 1800m
Race 4 P5 Girls 10.14am 10.19am 1800m
Race 5 P6 Boys 10.26am 10.31am 1800m
Race 6 P6 Girls 10 38am 10 43am 1800m
Race 7 P7 Boys 10 50am 10 55am 1800m
Race 8 P7 Girls 11.00am 11.05am 1800m
Declaration 11.00am for Secondary School Races
Race Age Group Last Assembly Race Starts Distance
Race 9 S4-S6 Boys 11.35am 11.45am 4000m
Race 10 S4-S6 Girls 11.55am 12.05pm 2800m
Race 11 S1 Boys 12 15pm 12 25pm 2800m
Race 12 S1 Girls 12 30pm 12 40pm 2800m
Race 13 S2 Boys 12.50pm 13.00pm 2800m
Race 14 S2 Girls 13.05pm 13.15pm 2800m
Race 15 S3 Boys 13 25pm 13 35pm 2800m
Race 16 S3 Girls 13 40pm 13 50pm 2800m
Awards:
Presentation of awards:
Refreshments:
The first three individual finishers in each race will win medals and the first three finishers in each team will count towards the team score, and the first three teams will win medals.
The presentation of trophies and medals (to individuals) will be made immediately after each event as soon as we have the results.
There will be a food truck onsite serving hot and cold snacks. Cash is advisable.
Photographs of pupils for internal or external use
It is the custom and practice for most sporting events, and of this event to include some photographs or images of pupils for promotional materials to the local press and news.
If a child in your school does not have permission to be photographed please fill out this online form by Thursday 12 March 2026.
Safeguarding
Please follow this link should you have any concerns to report.
Risk Assessment
Please view our risk assessment here.
Don’t miss a step
Scan the QR code to follow the live results and see every stride, finish, and final placing as it happens.
Cross Country Officials
Conveners:
Entries:
Starter: Registration:
Pen Marshall:
Chief Finishing Steward:
Finish Line:
Results:
Course Layout:
Presentations:
First Aid:
Marshal Points
Jimmy Lamont, Nichola Crawford
Ron Hunter (Scottish Athletics)
Ranald Wilkie
Morag Kelman
Fiona Pratt
John Purcell
Fiona Howie
Perfect Timing Scotland - Chris Shepard
Jimmy Lamont, Nichola Crawford
Richard Anderson
ABRRAS
Each school has been given the responsibility to marshal during the event. Please ensure that your designated marshal reports to the start at 9.40am for the Primary races and 11.30am for the Secondary races.
This helper will be given a marshal vest and will be assigned to the marshal station for the duration of the Primary or Secondary Championships.
The marshal points relate to the blue numbers on the map.
Maps
Please view maps of the course using the links below:
Senior Boys
S1 - S3 Boys and Girls and Senior Girls
Primary Course
With special thanks to our sponsors of this event
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