Harrier’s News Round-Up July 2008
July 21st, 2008Gala Harriers have been in action over the past two weeks at a wide range of events and distances.
The Kelso Civic Week inaugural 10K on 13th July was a good hunting ground for the Goodson family running in their Gala Harrier colours with Laura winning the womens’ race overall in 41 minutes 57 seconds and her Mum, Melanie the first placed woman veteran in 44.20. Gregor McEneny stormed to a well-deserved 7th place with a great run in 37.45.
Mid week was the Moffat Gala Race around the Devil’s Beef Tub – 15 kilometres of a tough course, characterised by its steep ascents and descents. Martin Clarke completed the gruelling run in 1 hour 02 minutes, while Roger Kerr marked a welcome return to racing in 1.07.
A week later and some intrepid Harriers braved the windswept coast of north Northumberland on Sunday for the mixed terrain of the coastal route from Beadnell to Alnmouth. This race, covering 14 miles of stunning scenery has been regularly voted the best race in Britain and over a blend of sand, turf, track and road with the wind luckily on their backs, Neil Aitchison led the Gala challenge home in an impressive time of 1.31.18, placing him 54th out of 800 runners. Graham Capper followed him in in 1.42.29, with Jane Chalmers’ excellent time of 1.47.44 ensuring her a place in the top third of the field.
Young Harriers, including Laura Anderson, Charlotte Brown, Emily and Martha Douglas, Hannah and Emily Jones, Rowan and Jo Marr, Lucy Morris and Demi Yorke have been competing regularly at the Border Games circuit with good results, reflecting their hard work at training sessions. Before the English Schools closed for the holidays, Emily Jones won the North of England minor girls 800m championships race at Gateshead in a time of 2 mins 36 secs, with Laura Anderson 3rd in 2.39. Emily’s sister Hannah came second in the 1500m in 5 mins and 29 secs and then secured first place in the senior womens’ race in the Norham Bank Challenge 5k – at only 13 years old! She also won the senior and Junior titles in the Berwick Annual Curfew run, with Emily coming second in the junior race and Laura Anderson finishing in 4th place.
And just as a reminder that Harriers are really all rounders, on Saturday 19th July, the club’s President Robin Murray, Laura Howie and John Borthwick were part of a team who completed a massive cycle ride from Glasgow to Turin, raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. The total raised so far is £6,830.00 – and should you wish to make a donation, this can be can be
done through www.justgiving.com/turinbybike
