Harriers take the High Road at Loch Lomond
May 15th, 2006Gala Harrier runners took part in the Scottish Hill Running Championships last Saturday over a typically tough course up Ben Lomond. Alice Haining picked up another national title, winning the U14 girls championship, finishing second overall in front of both boys and girls much older than herself.
In the senior men’s race Euan Jardine ran an excellent race to finish 8th overall, with Fergus Johnston a very respectable 26th.
Kate Jenkins, Martin Clarke, Graham Pogson and Ruth McCann took on the 22 miles of the Edinburgh to North Berwick road race on the same day. Despite running into a strong head wind Kate showed she’s in excellent form by recording 2.27.46, finishing 12th overall and 1st lady. Martin ran strongly to record 2.33.04 and finish 21st overall from the 138 runners, with Graham finishing 69th in 2.54.05 and Ruth finishing 109th in a respectable 3.16.30.
Despite being the most expensive 10K road race in Scotland, there was a good turn out of harriers at the Great Edinburgh Run. Fastest on the day was John Borthwick, recovered from long term injury, to record 34.45, George Runciman ran 39.17, with Will McDermott setting a PB of 44.17, Mary Crawford ran a respectable 44.39, with Lisa Gregg recording 45.10. Derek Fraser ran a painful personal worst time of 50.47, Julie Anderson recorded a PB of 52.40, while Malky Gowans ran round with wife Fiona and crossed the line together in 61.48.
The following evening was the Intersport Gala Harriers 10K road race round their Gala Academy, Hollybush course, with a healthy turnout of 36 Harriers, Limpers and guests taking part. Rob McGurn won his first harriers handicap title, recording a time of 39.55, overtaking a determined Lisa Gregg over the last hundred metres. Lisa ran 45.00 despite racing the previous day and still had enough strength to hold off Stewart Gillan who finished 3rd in a scratch time of 38.39.
The fastest time on the evening was recorded by Euan Jardine, starting last but finishing 15th in 34.38, with Rachel Fagan recording the fastest ladies time of 41.56 to finish 10th.
