Borthwick makes it three in a row
November 12th, 2005John Borthwick retained his Gala Harriers Cross Country Championship title last Saturday in what proved to be a thrilling race between himself and past champion Ron Logan. The pair led off the 30 strong field of runners and ran shoulder to shoulder the whole way round the 11km Boleside to Wood End course. It was not until the last few hundred metres that John pulled away on the long decent down to the ÔøΩ??seven treesÔøΩ?? finish to retain his title in a time of 37.33, with Ron close behind in 37.54.
There was a good race between Graeme Murdoch, Robin Murray and Martin Clarke for third spot, as they swopped places all the way to Fairnilee Farm and the start of the Southern Upland Way stretch of the course. The steep climb up to Hog Hill spread out the field where menÔøΩ??s captain Robin Murray showed a welcome return to form as he held off Graeme Murdoch to claim third place in a time of 41.10, with Graeme finishing in 41.21.
RobinÔøΩ??s efforts were also good enough to pick up the Niel Potts handicap trophy, with a good run from Jim Langsdale to take second place and Ron Logan claiming third spot. Dianne Lauder claimed her first club cross country championship, with a fine run in a time of 45.05, with Leanne Haining still showing she can compete with the best as she finished second in a time of 46.17.
Karen Haldane was running in her first club race and she will be very pleased and relieved at not getting lost and finishing as third lady in a time of 50.37.
Many thanks to Leanne Haining, her family and all the marshals for organising and helping the race run so smoothly.
Next race for the harriers is the East District League meeting at Kirkaldy on Sunday 27th of November.
