Nicola cruises to the Ladhope Title
December 4th, 2004Gala Harriers held their second club cross country race of the season on Saturday, with almost 20 harriers turning out for one of the toughest races on the calendar, the Border Telegraph Ladhope XC Handicap. Like the adjoining golf course, the Ladhope race is not for the faint hearted and the ability to jump over burns, ditches, electric fences, styles and scramble up the odd hill is a must.
Nicola Meikle proved to be a worthy winner on the day and confirmed the improvement in her running, which she has shown this year. With a handicap of 7.05 minutes, Nicola overtook all the runners in front of her by the end of the third lap and stretched away from everyone to finish almost two minutes in front of second placed runner John Paterson. John ran bravely round the four-lap race to finish in a time of 46.15 and pick up his first prize from the harriers.
Graham Murdoch, (still looking for a pair of cross country shoes!), ran an impressive 38.07 to claim third spot and hold off the bulk of the other runners, who had tried to chase him down as the handicaps all came together. Fastest run of the day for the men was John Borthwick, who clocked 36.10 over the 5-mile course, with Rachel Fagan clocking 39.40 for the ladies.
Many thanks to the staff of the Ladhope Inn for their hospitality and for providing rolls for the hungry runners. Thanks also to David Hunter for organising this year’s race and to Neil Aitchison and the handicap committee for their efforts.
