Three New Champions For Gala Harriers
November 8th, 2003This Saturday saw the start to the Harriers’ new season with its first club race of the year. An impressive field of 37 gathered at Boleside for the start of the club cross country championship. This Saturday saw the start to the Harriers’ new season with its first club race of the year. An impressive field of 37 gathered at Boleside for the start of the club cross country championship.
The course is run over six miles following the river bank to Yair then over the Southern Upland Way to finish at the Hollybush road.
Men’s winner of the championship was new member John Borthwick in a time of 37.48. A tight battle ensued with Mark Bryson, Fergus Johnstone and Ian Arnott ( newly turned vet ) fighting it out for 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively.
The winner of the New Zealand cup, first lady home, was Scottish marathon champion Kate Jenkins. Kate completed the course in a fine time of 42.21 despite being led off course by Martin Clarke. Infact she enjoyed the course that much she ran the course in reverse to pick up her car at Boleside!
To be fair to Martin he was probably still feeling the effects of his Dublin Marathon race which he competed in last week. Martin was agonisingly close to breaking the magic 3 hour mark, finishing in 3.00.13.
A very interesting race occurred for second spot with Leanne Haining managing to run down newcomer Rachel Fagan in the final downhill section of the course. Their times were 44.26 and 44.33 respectively.
The Neil Potts trophy was won by Fergus Johnston with a scratch time of 34.48. He put in a fine run to secure 3rd place overall. Runner up in the handicap results was Dave Nightingale (36.17 ) closely followed by Rob McCrirrick (36.22).
A special mention goes to the two juniors who competed very strongly over the demanding route. First junior home in 21st place, was Rory Methven in a time of 46.20 whilst Craig Hogg running hard, overtook runners in the homeward stretch to finish in a time of 50.09 and claim 25th spot. A full set of results can be found on the Harriers website www.galaharriers.com.
A big thanks to all the marshalls, timekeepers and spectators and we hope to see you all at the Ladhope Cross Country on the 13th of December. Volunteers to help please contact Robin Murray and those wishing to be included in the handicap see Laura, Karen, Rob or David.
The Eastern Borders Cross Country Series starts on Sunday 23rd November in Dunbar. There is a junior race at 11.30 am whilst the adult race starts at 12 noon.
The Harriers are looking to run a bus to this event so please contact Laura Howie or Robin Murray if you require transport or race information. (01750 20602).
