National Title for Saints at Scottish National XC Championships
Second-year Maths student, Kristof Hornyik, makes St Andrews history by taking the National title in the prestigious Scottish National Cross-Country Championships- held on the 26th of February in Callender Park, Falkirk (Photo credits to Bobby Gavin).
To kickstart the 6.8km race around an undulating and muddy 2-lap course, competitors struck off at a strong pace and remained tightly packed for the first lap. Running alongside several GB athletes, Kristof initially held to this competitive group pace, before going on to make an impressive break on the second lap. With the rest of the competitors unable to close the gap, Kristof maintained his breakaway with a final sprint to the finish line and the fantastic National title for U20 men.
The win follows a dedicated winter season of training, with Kristof describing how he splits his typical 130km week into 7 or 9 runs, alongside strength, stretching and recovery work. Crediting his training partner, Noah Lambert, as well as the Saints Athletics & Cross-Country team for their support with racing and training schedules, Kristof describes how the win reflects an exciting culmination of sustained hard work. With the win also contributing to University of St Andrews team Bronze Medal, the Saints XC & Athletics team also expressed their elation and pride at the success of Kristof, fellow Saint competitors and their supportive teammates.
Kristof alongside fellow Saint competitors and supporters from the Athetlics & Cross-Country CLub
Offering a fresh burst of inspiration for Kristof and fellow club members, the National Championship successes are followed by a few good rest days for the legs and much excited anticipation for the Summer season ahead. With hopes to continue both the competitive triumphs and dedication to training into the 2022 year.