Thirleston Run gets a record turn out
October 4th, 2003Last weeks Thirleston run was the biggest and most successful yet, with 150 children tackling the junior race and115 in the senior event. Last weeks Thirleston run was the biggest and most successful yet, with 150 children tackling the junior race and115 in the senior event.
The weather was perfect for running as the junior race started and 150 pairs of trainers took off round the Thirleston Castle estate. The 3 km course was covered in some style by Chris Black (City of Edinburgh), as he won in an impressive 8.22 minutes, followed by Callum Deans and Craig Wilkinson.
First girl home was Sarah Mathers, running for Gala Harriers and she was followed in by Alice Haining also Gala and Sarah Kelly. Other Gala Harriers finishers were Ross Johnston, Callie Johnston, Alex Hain, Kirsty Thomson, Robert McCrirrick, James Haining, Lucy Logan and Kirsty Summers, apologies to anyone I’ve missed out.
The senior race was over a revised 5 mile course and it proved to be testing route. First to finish and pick up the 100 prize was Kirk Smith (Favorit RC), in a time of 27.23, he was closely followed in by local music teacher John Borthwick (27.43). First Gala Harrier was Ron Logan who finished 8th in a time of 29.14 and was showing few side effects from his 19 mile Two Breweries race the day before.
Ron warmed up for the race by running over from Stow to Lauder and warmed down by running back to Stow again, (mad or what?).
Iain Arnott was back in action after a lengthy injury spell and he was pleased to finish 11th in 29.29, just ahead of Rob McCrirrick 14th in 29.48. Suzanne Carson took the first ladies prize and looked very strong over the all terrain course to finish 19th overall in a time of 30.42.
Selkirk’s Jack Knox and Robin Murray tried hard to keep with Suzanne but had to be content with racing it out between themselves down the final straight, with Jack comfortably out sprinting Robin to finish 20th and 21st respectively. Leanne Haining ran herself into the prizes by lifting the ladies veteran’s trophy, in a time of 33.24, while Rachel Fagan was delighted to take the 3rd ladies prize, also in a good time of 33.59.
Other Gala finishers were Neil Aitchison (24th), Roger Kerr (25th), Alistair Laurie (26th), Graham Capper (31st), Graham Jones (41st), Nicola Meikle (51st), Flea Elliot (56th), Jo Highet (60th), Karen Renton (64th), Marion Facchini (69th), Sharon McClemont (72nd) and Ann Purves (115th).
