Borthwick and Jenkins Retain Gala Harriers XC Titles
November 6th, 2004John Borthwick and Kate Jenkins retained their cross country titles on Saturday but they were pushed all the way by their nearest rivals Fergus Johnston and Rachel Fagan in a series of exciting individual duels. John was given a fright by the speed at which Fergus took off up the Southern Upland Way and led him by 400 metres at the halfway stage. John showed great determination over the last mile catching Fergus on the riverside run in to record a time of 37.44.
Kate Jenkins overcame a sluggish start to eventually run out the ladies champion in a time of 43.11 but she had to work hard for her second title. Rachel was pleased with her performance, finishing one place better than last year, with Katy Anderson taking third spot.
Mark Bryson also had to be content with third spot this year and must be wondering if he might have caught Fergus if he hadn’t run into the wrong field at the Yair Bridge!
Lynne Knox won the Neil Potts handicap trophy this year, she finished strongly along the Boleside riverside, this easily made up for her disappointment from last weeks Jed half marathon. It was a Selkirk 1, 2, 3 in the handicap race with Alastair Laurie and Lynne’s husband Tommy, finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Leanne Haining was almost rubbing shoulders with Paula Radcliffe at the New York marathon on Sunday. Although not quite in the same league as Paula, they did have one thing in common, they both ran eight minutes slower than their personal best’s. Leanne found the hard concrete road surface very unforgiving but was still very pleased with her finishing time of 3.38.
