Storming Finish to Gala 10K
April 11th, 2004The Gala Harriers 10K road race had one of the closest and most exciting finishes possible on Sunday as three runners battled it out With just 150 metres to go. The Gala Harriers 10K road race had one of the closest and most exciting finishes possible on Sunday. With 150 metres to go it was any ones race with a three way split between Carl Heaven (Annan & District), Ray Ward (Hunters Bog Trotters) and Max Colligan (Phoenix Racers).
Ray Ward just mistimed his final effort to let last years runner up Max Colligan out sprint him over the last few metres and claim the Detroit Braw Lads Cup in a fast time of 32.15. Ray followed him over the line in 32.16, with Carl Heaven finishing on 32.17.
Fergus Cochrane finished a fine 5th in a time of 34.15, showing that he is certainly getting back into form and he led home the winning Gala Harriers team with John Borthwick finishing 7th in 34.49 and Neil Renton finishing 9th in 35.01, to claim the team prize.
The harriers were blessed with a perfect day for their race and despite the lower than expected field of 115 runners, fast times and PB’s were the order of the day. Bryan Bailey produced one of his best times, finishing 15th in 37.26, with Martin Clarke and Tony Lunn, close on his heals finishing 17th and 18th respectively in times of 37.37 and 37.44.
Tony’s time was his fastest ever and was just good enough to keep him in front of super-veteran runner Jack Knox, who continues to defy the ageing process by recording times of 37.49 and not surprisingly taking the super-vet’s prize home with him to Selkirk.
Fergus Johnston ran comfortably to finish 22nd in a time of 38.21 and did just enough to stay in front of the first lady finisher, Catherine Ferry (City of Edinburgh), who claimed the Hunter-Kerr trophy in a time of 38.27. Veronique Oldam (Norham RC) was 2nd lady in 39.51, with Hilary Ross (U/A) taking 3rd spot in 42.00.
Event organiser Robin Murray decided to run the race instead of watch it this year and he was pleased to dip under the 40 minute barrier to record 39.43, with David Darroch just on the wrong side finishing 38th overall in 40.08. Alastair Laurie will run much faster this year but had to be content with 41.14 on Sunday, with David Hunter chopping another chunk off his PB by finishing in a time of 42.02.
Tommy Knox will be satisfied with his 44.33 finish but not as happy as Lucy Alkin-Young who knocked another minute off her PB to finish in 45.59 and lead home the Gala girls to the ladies team prize. Natasha Moir, (47.37) and Lynne Knox (53.26) made up the rest of the team, with Anne Lawrie completing the Gala runners, finishing in 55.34.
The 3K Fun Run was well supported with 55 runners taking on the course round the Gala water and Netherdale. Stewart Fraser (Teviotdale Harriers) was fastest on the day, recording an impressive 10.16, with Jorge Chacon (Kilbrachan AAC), 2nd in 10.24 and Gavin Brady 3rd in 11.06. Kirstie Thomson (Gala Harriers) was first girl in a time of 12.07, with Kaylee Fraser (Teviotdale Harriers) 2nd in 13.46 and Ashleigh Hedderly (Gala Harriers) 3rd in 13.59.
Other Gala runners were Craig Patterson, Andrew McCrirrick, Daniel Whitehead, Darren Knox, Lewis Whitehead, Lucy Logan, Emma Laing, John Laing, Hailey McCrirrick, Lauren and Chloe Strain and last but not least Morven Rennie.
Next race for the harriers will be a wee trip round London on foot in the London Marathon on Sunday. Good luck to all our runners.
Related content
10K Race Results
Fun Run Results
