Holyrood, Great Winter Run
January 16th, 2005Several Gala Harriers braved the wind and mud of Holyrood on Saturday to run in the Great Winter Run. Many of the worlds top athletes taking part, not to mention top British runners, this made the event the highest quality cross country event staged in Scotland. Also in the mix was the Scottish Inter-District Championships involving Scots in different age groups. The Harriers were in the medals in the very first race of the day, the girls under 13’s. Laura Goodson ran a brave race to finish in 3rd position. The Gala athlete took on some of the best young Scottish talent right from the gun, even taking the lead during the second lap. Despite being overtaken by two girls, she battled on through the mud finishing just one second behind the second placed athlete.
More good news was to follow. Laura was running for the East of Scotland in the Inter-District Championship and with the first three finishers representing the East meant that a team gold medal was assured. Her two medals were just reward for her efforts in training.
Gala had to wait to the last race of the programme before their other competitors got involved. Inspiration for the 5.5k road race round the ‘little’climb of Arthur’s seat came in the form of the main races of the day. Two superb races with exciting finishes featuring World 5000m Champion Eluid Kipchoge from Kenya defeating the Ethiopians, followed by Australian World Cross country Champion Benita Johnston from Australia, being pipped on the line by Ethiopian Dibaba.
Euan Jardine was duly inspired as he took on several top Scots and athletes from the North East of England. The Gala athlete was making a rare outing on the road but wasn’t phased by the quality opposition, finishing in a fine 3rd place. Next Gala finisher was Sandy Walker, just ahead of fast finishing Nicola Meikle. Ian Frater followed shortly afterwards. It was particularly pleasing to see the two Academy pupils getting involved in competition. Just behind these runners were Ann Purves and Susan Howell completing the finishers from the Harriers.
