East District League-Kirkcaldy
November 26th, 2007
The weather continued to favour runners on Sunday in Kirkcaldy where the East District league races were held in the town’s Beveridge Park, attracting a good turnout from Gala Harriers’ in-form ladies and juniors and hard-working mens’ teams.
Conditions were bright and dry but very cold and a prevailing memory of the day will be Special Olympian Davy Darroch in his bright blue superman tights. But it was the girls and the senior ladies who were flying on the day and twins Hannah and Emily Jones kicked off in style in the Under 13s with 5th and 13th places, running their distance in 10 minutes 12 seconds and 10.43 respectively. Emily was closely followed by Laura Anderson who finished in 17th place in 10.54, ensuring that the young team secured a second placing overall, a superb result with just one of the league events to go.
Returning from illness but always running her heart out was Alice Haining who has just moved up to the Under 15 girls’ category, finishing in an impressive 2nd place over the longer distance in 16.30. Despite being not 100% fit, this was a great result for Alice.
Over the senior ladies’ course there was an international field with Hayley Ovens and Morag McClarty representing their clubs, but Gala’s women were not to be outclassed with superb performances by Diane Lauder (5th in 27.03), Kate Jenkins (6th in 27.04). Katie Anderson (13th in 27.35), Rachel Fagan (21st in 28.42) and Melanie Goodson (47th in 31.27). These results put the team in 2nd place overall in the league, with all to run for in the finale in Livingston in January.
The club’s senior men continue to try to emulate the success of the women but this time they were playing second fiddle again, despite great runs by Euan Jardine, returning to fitness in 28th position in 33.48, Graeme Murdoch (42nd in 34.49) and Fergus Johnstone (62nd in 36.04.) Also running well were Alan Goodson (113rd in 39.00), Robin Murray (142nd in 40.53), Malky Gowans (178th in 43.30), Davy “Superman” Darroch (194th in 44.49) just outsprinting John Paterson who finished one place behind him in 44.50.
A week away is the 2nd round of the Borders Winter Cross Country series, to be held in John Muir Park, Dunbar on Sunday 2nd December. Junior races start at 11.30, seniors at 12 noon.
