Planned to perfection!

Lewis Pentecost sprinted to victory in the National Cross Country Championships on Saturday thanks to a bit of forward planning with his dad and coach John.
u15 boys race winner lewis pentecostu15 boys race winner lewis pentecost
u15 boys race winner lewis pentecost

The 15-year-old played it steady and slowly narrowed the gap on the leaders after a bright start to the race at Callendar Park.

But Pentecost knew the course, and had a plan which worked to a tee and earned him the title and selection in the forthcoming inter counties championships with Scotland East plus a spot in the London Mini-Marathon in a couple of months’ time.

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The St Mungo’s High pupil told The Falkirk Herald: “They took off really quickly at the start so I was a bit behind the front group, but I thought they would blow up in several places, and that’s what happened. I stayed calm and just kept my own pace.

“At one point going up the hill there was 80m between myself and the leaders, but they slowed down and I reduced the gap a lot. Again at the golf course some bunt up and I kept the same pace and caught them there.”

After that it was a group scenario, but the Falkirk Vic kept his composure and his steady pace to see it through to the end.

Pentecost has been training at Callendar park - his local course – twice every week since November in anticipation of Saturday’s big race and the preparation paid off. A walk around the course the night before added to the planning.

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“My dad had gone round the night before and had a sign that said ‘Go’ – when I saw that, I knew I had to cgo for it and that helped me pass the leader at the end and take the win.”

Victory adds to his 1500m title he won – again locally at Grangemouth Stadium – in August.

“I’ve got to thank my training group, my dad John and my other coach David Lothian, and my mum and brother.”

Lewis’ twin brother Harris is also an athlete for Falkirk Victoria Harriers, though more track based, and finished 75th on the cross-country course.

More on pages 86&87

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