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In April 2002, Gala Harriers staged their centenary 10K road race from Netherdale and attracted large numbers of runners in both the senior and Junior and Fun Run sections. Since then, the fixture moved to late June to form a successful part of the Gala Sports Day until this year, when, because of the volume of races in the summer months it was decided to return to its original time in April.

So on Sunday, over 100 seniors and more than half that number of juniors and fun runners massed at Gala Fairydean on Sunday to participate in the two races over 10K and 3K respectively. Clubs from all over southern Scotland were represented and good numbers of local club runners from Teviotdale, Lauder, Moorfoot, Kelso, Earlston and Norham came to the start line alongside athletes from a variety of Edinburgh and Lothian clubs.

In conditions which were very different to either the extreme heat or downpours sometimes experienced in June, 55 juniors and some older fun runners scampered around the 3K course in near perfect running weather, with a strong contingent of local athletes taking the honours.

First home overall and well ahead of the field was Gala’s Alice Haining in 10 minutes and 56 seconds, with the first boy Josh Noble from Teviotdale Harriers in a time of 11.22. Gala’s Charlotte Brown was the second girl home in 12.15 with Ross Corbett (Teviotdale) second boy in 11.28. The two third places were taken by Lauren Corbett (Teviotdale) in 13.25 and Gala’s Andrew McCrirrick in 11.46. For the host club, the other girls representing Gala and putting in sterling runs were: Katherine Arkley, 4th girl in 14.38, Rhona Gowans (15.36), Rhiannon Fagan (18.17), Melissa Learmonth (18.55), Blair Duff (18.56), Rebecca Frankland (23.58) and Samantha Mackay(27.20). For the Gala boys, David Bonnar came in a very good fourth place in 12.33, with Michael Hutchison (15.18), Fraser Gowans (15.33) Dylan Fagan (15.43), and Connor Mackay (27.20) all flying the flag for the home team.

The weather stayed cool and favourable for the senior race, which saw some excellent tussles and fine performances from Border runners. First male home and overall champion was Steve Cairns of Hunters Bog Trotters in a time of 32 minutes and 27 seconds. First female was Susan Ridley of Edinburgh Athletic Club in 37.11, and she was closely followed by Gala’s gutsy Dianne Lauder in 37.48. The club’s Euan Jardine was fourth male runner home but took the third placing overall in an impressive time of 35.16. Gala’s male runners worked well together and Steve Martin (38.16), Gregor McAnemy (38.53), Martin Clarke (39.00) and Tony Lunn (39.16) all finished within a minute of each other after packing well during the race. Not far behind was Iain Bell (40.06) and then Malky Gowans in 42.08 and Bill McCulloch in 44.21 all running well-judged races. Gregor McAnemy and Martin Clarke in addition won the first local male and first male supervet prizes respectively.

Not far behind, Fiona Shepherd in 46.25, and running very strongly right now took the first local female prize and, along with Sheila McNab (48.47) and Dianne Lauder contributed to the first female team prize for Gala Harriers. New Harriers Gina Allen and Kelly McCraw finished looking very good in 48.52 and 52.53 and only a matter of seconds behind was Louise Johnson in a very pleasing 53.02.

Gala Harriers 10K Results 20-4-08

Gala 3K Results 20-4-08

Gala 10K & 3K Prize Winners

An event such as this cannot go ahead without the help and support of many. Gala Harriers would like to thank Gala Fairydean and in particular Roddy, Dave Houston, Tescos, Scottish Athletics, Start Fitness and all those who gave up their Sunday morning to register and record, timekeep, marshall and provide the catering - and to Magnus Inglis especially for co-ordinating it all.

Gala Harriers take to the track next Thursday 24th April for the 5000m club race at Tweedbank. All club members welcome. Harriers are also competing at the Lochaber Marathon on Sunday 27th April.

Posted on Monday, April 21st, 2008 at 7:46 am and is filed under News, Race Results.
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