Caithness teenager Billy Sutherland is celebrating his latest success in endurance running after taking first place in his age group at the Scottish Athletics Inter-District Cross-Country Championships.
As a result of his achievement in Glasgow at the weekend, the 15-year-old from Latheronwheel has earned a Scotland call-up and will compete against athletes from England, Wales and Ireland in Leeds next month.
Billy’s win on Saturday 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.
The Wick High School fourth-year pupil is a member of Ross County Athletics Club and is coached by Sophie Dunnett from Thurso.
Since his River Ness 5K victory, Billy has been competing in the North District cross-country season which involves six race events in a league format. After four races he leads the league, with the final two events scheduled for the coming weeks.
His win at the North District Cross-Country Championships in November meant he secured his place to represent the North District in the inter-district championships at Glasgow’s Alexandra Park at the weekend.
The inter-district championships were held in conjunction with the UK Athletics Cross Challenge and attracted athletes from around Britain. Competing against 73 athletes on a frozen course, Billy ran an excellent race at under-15 level to see off the favourites and claim the victory.
The North District runner finished ahead of East pair Luke Sedman, who came second, and third-placed Rory MacMillan.
As a result, Billy has gained his first Scottish national vest and will compete in the Celtic Cup international in Leeds. February will also see him competing for the first time in the Scottish National Cross-Country Championships in Falkirk.
Billy Sutherland (15) from Latheronwheel claimed victory in the River Ness 5k at the end of September. Picture: James Mackenzie
Coach Sophie Dunnett, from Performance Endurance Training, said: “Billy is extremely new to endurance running, having only started training 14 months ago, and this level of success in a first season is very unusual.
“Billy trains extremely hard and shows a great deal of potential for the future which I am excited to help him develop. For now it is about balancing his training with racing opportunities and continuing to learn as he races against athletes who have been competing for a lot longer than him.”
Billy says he is grateful to Sophie for her ongoing guidance, support and training, as well as to the Lybster and Tannach Fund for its financial support which has helped him compete locally and nationally.
Billy has several races coming up in the next few months. He says he aims to keep improving and see how far his efforts can take him on the national stage.
Billy Sutherland (centre) of Ross County Athletics Club after winning the River Ness 5k in Inverness in September. Ruairidh Stirling of Inverness Harriers (left) finished second and Archie Dalgliesh of Gala Harriers (right) was third. Picture: James Mackenzie