Edinburgh AC have reclaimed the Lindsays Trophy for the 2025-26 season after finishing top of Tier One in the Lindsays Cross Country Season.
The capital club, who were the inaugural winners when the trophy was first introduced in 2015, returned to the top spot thanks to consistent participation across the three National Championship events held over the winter.
Eilish McColgan, who has been our sponsored athlete, also since 2014, presented the first Lindsays Trophy to Edinburgh AC in 2015. This time, GB international Megan Keith - 10th in the Women's 10,000m at the World Champs last summer - was on hand at Meadowbank for the presentation and photos.
“Cross Country is the grassroots base for endurance running in Scotland and I love the atmosphere around the Lindsays events every winter.” said Megan.
“I raced these events from my mid-teens and over the years have represented Inverness Harriers and Edinburgh University Hares and Hounds. For 12 clubs to finish 100 or more athletes over three events is great for the sport.”
Close to 100 clubs were represented across the Lindsays National XC Relays at Cumbernauld, the Lindsays National Short Course at Lanark and the Lindsays National XC at Falkirk.
Edinburgh AC accumulated an impressive 211 finishers across the three events to take the title by 17 athletes from defending champions Giffnock North, who recorded 194. Former Tier One winners Garscube Harriers completed the top three on 176.
Overall, 97 clubs across Scotland had at least one finisher during the season, with 12 clubs surpassing the milestone of 100 finishers, underlining the strong levels of participation and commitment throughout the sport.
Elsewhere, Kilbarchan AAC claimed the Tier Two title, while Calderglen Harriers were crowned Tier Three champions to complete a successful season across all levels of competition.
Ian Beattie, our Chief Operating Officer, said: “This season has once again demonstrated the growing appetite for cross country running across Scotland, with clubs of all sizes contributing to a strong and competitive series.
“To see close to 100 clubs represented, and so many athletes turning out consistently over the winter, speaks volumes about the health of the sport and the efforts of everyone involved.
"We are proud to continue supporting an initiative that celebrates participation as much as performance, and it is fitting that Edinburgh AC, who helped set the standard all those years ago, have returned to lift the trophy once again. Our congratulations go to them and to every club who played their part in another outstanding season."
Colin Hutchison, Chief Executive of scottishathletics added: “We were delighted last autumn when Lindsays extended their sponsorship of the Lindsays Cross Country Season, providing valuable support in growing interest and increasing participation.”
Full tables and further details on the 2025-26 Lindsays Cross Country Season are available via the scottishathletics website.
