Silver for teenage endurance runner from Caithness in first Scottish championships
Caithness teenager Billy Sutherland has again made his mark in endurance running by securing second place at the Scottish National Cross-Country Championships.
The 15-year-old from Latheronwheel, a member of Ross County Athletics Club, was competing in the championships for the first time in a field of more than 130 athletes at Callendar Park in Falkirk.
Billy delivered an outstanding performance to claim the silver medal in his age group.
Before that event, Billy had already triumphed in the North District Cross-Country and claimed the league title in Forres, winning each of the league fixtures he entered.
Building on his recent victory at the inter-districts in Glasgow, Billy earned his first national vest and competed in the U17 category at the Celtic Cup International in Leeds earlier this month.
Facing athletes from England, Wales and Ireland, the Wick High School fourth-year pupil finished in second place in a strong debut for Scotland. He led Scotland home to team silver and is optimistic about future call-ups.
Billy’s coach, Sophie Dunnett of Performance Endurance Training, said: “Billy has made a significant mark on the endurance racing scene over his first winter and his potential is being noted by Scottish Athletics.
“Every race is a new experience for Billy and he continues to learn the art of racing with the best in Scotland. We have chosen not to extend Billy’s cross-country season with a further two national and one potential international races as we focus on moving towards his summer racing programme.”
Billy says he is grateful for Sophie’s ongoing guidance and support, as well as for the financial assistance from the Lybster and Tannach Fund and the Duncraig Educational Trust which has helped him compete locally and nationally.
Billy’s win in Glasgow in January followed on from his triumph in the River Ness 5K last September when he took the men’s title on his debut in the event.
Looking ahead, Billy will focus on upcoming road and hill events, with several races planned in the coming months. He aims to keep improving and see how far his efforts can take him on the national stage.
