Thirlestane Castle attracts another record entry
October 9th, 2004The Thirlestane Castle Runs continues to grow in popularity with both the young and the old of the borders. This years event attracted 152 junior and 137 senior runners, with healthy contributions from both Gala Harriers and organisers Lauderdale Limpers. The junior event is run over a 3 km course within the castle estate and was won this year by Teviotdale Harrier’s Stuart Fraser, with Alice Haining of Gala Harriers running a storming race to finish 4th overall and 1st girl.
The Limpers had a fantastic turnout of 59 juniors in the race and had Robert Hankey and Kirsty Thompson picking up the prizes for first local runners. Gala also had a good number of junior runners taking part with James Haining not too far behind his sister in 15th spot, followed by Cameron Gowans 36th, Dylan Howell 39th, Darren Knox 44th, Lucy Logan 56th, Aaron Hickman 67th, Izzy Bridges 75th, Claire Bridges 98th, Jessica Elliot 104th and Kieron Douglas 140th.
The senior race attracted a top class field to take on the five mile ‘all terrain’ course, with Cambuslang runner Neil Wilkinson taking top honours, beating Hunters Bog Trotters Don Naylor and Steve Cairns into 2nd and 3rd place respectively.
Sally Barr put in a sprint finish to pip Rachel Fagan on the line to claim the 1st ladies title as well as the trophy for finishing 1st local. Mark Bryson picked up the trophy for finishing first male local runner. Lauderdale had 20 senior runners taking part with Gala going one better with 21 starters on the line.
First Gala runner was Euan Jardine in 6th place, closely followed by John Borthwick 7th and helping the harriers to second team place, Jack Knox in 20th. John Cairns ran a strong race to finish 24th in front of Robin Murray 27th and a quickly closing Derek Fraser 29th.
Sally Barr and Rachel Fagan finished 38th and 40th respectively, while Graeme Jones continues to improve, finished 42nd, with Malky Gowans 52nd.
Other Gala runners taking part on the day were; Tommy Knox 56th, Fiona Dalgliesh 68th, Bill Elliot 76th, Carol Wilkinson 89th, Lynne Knox 98th, Anne Lawrie 113th, Rosi Capper 115th, Tina Hulton 117th and Tania Bridges 127th.
