The 26th annual Albyn School Open Cross Country Championships took place last week at Balgownie Playing Fields, Bridge of Don, welcoming more than 1,800 athletes from state and independent schools across the North-east, Dundee and Angus.
Recognised as the largest schools cross country event in Scotland, the championships continue to provide a significant opportunity for young runners from Primary 4 through to S6 to compete in a challenging and rewarding environment. The event has grown steadily since its inception and remains a key fixture in the regional schools’ sporting calendar - reflecting Albyn’s commitment to creating a place to belong – and a place where young athletes can shine and be active together.
Participants tackled the demanding cross country course at Balgownie Playing Fields, demonstrating impressive endurance, determination and sportsmanship throughout the day. The event featured a range of year group races, including Primary 4 pupils for the first time, allowing athletes at different stages of their school careers to compete against their peers.
Alongside the individual races, the championships also included a team competition, with the top three finishers from each school contributing to their school’s overall team score. For primary and secondary team results please head over to the Albyn School website.
In an exciting development for 2026, Primary 4 athletes were invited to take part for the first time, with Alfe Salveson from Lathallan School and Maya Cullen from Ashley Road claiming gold in their respective races. In other year groups there were notable performances by Millie Glass Park from Albyn School who took first place in the S1 girls race, a remarkable 45 seconds ahead of her peer Coco Czekalowska, also of Albyn School. Grace Ramsay from Lathallan School took the gold medal in the S3 girls race, a mighty 60 seconds ahead of Frida Moffat from Robert Gordon’s College in second place. Finlay Rae from Robert Gordon’s College delivered a strong performance to take first place in the Senior Boys (S4-S6) race, with Emily Taylor from Ellon Academy delivering a sub 10 minute run in the 2800m in the Senior Girls (S4-S6) race.
The Open Cross Country Championships continue to provide an important platform for young athletes to develop their competitive experience while representing their schools and communities. Events such as this celebrate the strength of school sport across the region and reinforce Albyn’s ethos of being a place to belong – where young people are encouraged to shine, be active and succeed together.
Organisers from Albyn School would like to thank all participating schools, athletes, staff and volunteers whose efforts contributed to the success of the event.
Special thanks are also extended to the event sponsors for their valued support in helping to deliver the championships; ANM Group, Fraser Fire and Security, Fitzbuild Ltd, King Coaches, ROVOP.