5K Track and London Marathon Reports
April 27th, 2009The sundrenched streets of London contrasted strongly with the chilly track at Tweedbank as both venues attracted Gala Harriers last week as they battled over the marathon distance and the 5000m – with a little bit of hill running in between!
Last Thursday saw the annual running of the 5000 metre senior club race and juniors competing over distances of 400m and 800m in this, the first track competition of the season for the Harriers. A great turnout of juniors meant that there was stiff competition in both the primary and secondary school age races which really pulled the youngsters to some fantastic times and finishes.
Starting first were the primary girls and Jo Marr went straight to the front and held off all opposition to finish her lap in a very impressive 1 minute and 14 seconds. Silver medallist was Jemma Reavely in 1.22 and third was Jo Arris just on her shoulder in 1.23. Also finishing well were: Rebecca Egan (1.27) Rhona Callow (1.28) Hannah McRae (1.29) Emma Sinclair (1.34) Sophie Yorke (1.37) Jenny Wright (1.39) Caitlin Wright (1.43) Ellie Stenhouse (1.50) and Chloe-Ann Woodward (2.03).
The winning time for the primary boys was identical to that of the girls’ and Michael Hutchison took the coveted gold medal in 1.14, with only three seconds separating the 2nd and 3rd placed youngsters, Stuart Allison (1.25) and Fraser Gowans (1.28). They were followed in by: Christopher Bell (1.30) Anton Kobus (1.33) Charlie Brockie (1.37) Jack Temple (1.39) Max Timoney (1.41) Ross Gillan (1.43) Jake Ballantyne (1.48) Liam Woodward (1.49) and Mark Purves (1.53), all of whom ran very well.
Both male and female secondary age juniors competed together over 800m with some sensational finishing speeds and gutsy performances marking a very close boys’ race in particular. Andrew McCrirrick showed that his regular training with the seniors has paid off as he scorched down the home straight to beat off his close rival Alastair Russell by a second, the boys finishing in 2.17 and 2.18 respectively. Rowan Marr with legs half the length of the first two came a very respectable 3rd in 2.34. For the girls, Charlotte Brown (2.38) marked her comeback to competition with a win over her team mate Kerry Sandilands (2.44) with Martha Douglas breathing down their necks with a fast finishing 2.48.
Also showing great commitment were: Cameron Gowans (2.42) Gillian Ingles (2.58) Beth Williamson (2.53) Sean Grant (2.55) Darren Knox (2.52) Demi Yorke (2. 59) Caillie Douce (3.01) Craig Forsyth (3.01) and Grace Ingles (3.02).
16 seniors stepped up for the 5000m with Euan Jardine making an early bid for glory and holding on impressively to finish first in 16.29. Graeme Murdoch was always a sure silver medallist, finishing strongly in 16.42, with the slimline Gregor McAneny 3rd in 18.29.
For the women, Andrea Pogson dug in well to hold on to the gold medal in 20.44, with Fiona Shepherd second in a well-judged 21.19 and Angela Foss making a welcome return to track competition in 22.02. There were some excellent performances a little further down the field from Alan Goodson (18.43) Dave Nightingale (18.55) Martin Clarke (18.58) Tony Lunn (19.08) Magnus Inglis (19.18) Malky Gowans (19.57) Errol Kobus (20.21) Scott Forsyth (21.17) and Dawn Grant in 22.50.
Tina Hulton, Race Organiser would like to thank all those who both helped and ran on a most successful night of competition.
3 days later, the London Marathon burst onto our TV screens yet again with its amazing showcase of elite, club and fun running coming together in the amazing carnival atmosphere that makes this such a unique occasion in the athletic calendar.
Seven harriers headed south for the event, some running it this time to raise money for the local cancer unit at BGH. The conditions were perfect for spectators albeit a little warm for the runners. Rachel Fagan, following her impressive 2008 performance had gained an elite women’s place but, due to a change in procedure was able to start near the front of the mass race and her fine time of 3 hours 10 minutes and 20 seconds was testament to her dedicated training over the winter months.
Similarly, Derrick Brydon running his first marathon would have been delighted with his excellent time of 3.15.09. Tish Affleck continues to amaze with her achievements and posted the 9th fastest time in her age category in 3.21.58, with Derek Fraser returning to something nearer his true form 10 minutes later in 3.31.59. Margot Crosbie overcame much to complete her race in 3.48.35 as did Eileen Nicol in a brave 4.09.39, with Sheila McNab finishing excellently in a time of 4.14.45. Congratulations to all!
In between these two races the relatively new hill running section of the club found itself on the wonderful sunkissed slopes of the hills above Innerleithen and completed a 10 mile round circuit with some of the most impressive views to be had anywhere in the Scottish Borders. (See Gala Harriers’ website for future hill running events.)
For the SPORTING WEEK AHEAD: BUPA Great Edinburgh 10K run, May 3rd, Edinburgh, starting at 10.30.
