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Gala Harriers have a varied fortnight of activity to record, with successes both locally and in the far north of Scotland.

The popular Norham 10k was, as ever a wonderfully organised race held two weekends ago in perfect running conditions. Three Gala Harriers found it very much to their taste, so much so that Fiona Forrest was the first lady home and 51st runner
overall in an excellent 44 minutes and 24 seconds. Bob Marshall claimed first prize in the over 60 age category in a splendid 39.13, while Douglas Paton was well up the field in 41.37, placing him 12th in his over 40 age group and 38th overall.

Perfect running conditions were nowhere to be seen last Saturday as strong winds and intermittent rain lashed the 15 runners who tackled the club’s newly designed Ladhope race, the first cross country of the season. Traditionally run round 4
laps of a gruelling course, this time it took the form of a single loop taking in the windswept plantation and neighbouring fields amounting to almost 5 miles of undulating grassland, steep ascents and rough tracks. One runner enjoyed it so much
that he did two loops of the top part by mistake!

First home and repeating her triumph of several years ago was retiring
ladies captain, Karen Renton who picked off the two runners who started ahead of her in the final testing half mile and stormed home in 45 minutes and 51 seconds. With a strong and consistent race throughout, Anne Purves was second in 49.04 and Susan Howel came through in a very impressive third place in 53.53. With the handicapping process the rest of the field were strung out but all finished strongly after their battering on the hill with good performances from:Sheila MacNab, 44.43, Tony Westbury, 37.13, Gregor McAneny, 33.16 (fastest on day), Fiona Shepherd, 42.18, Rachel Fagan, 34.39, Magnus Inglis, 34.19, Graham Jones, 36.53, Derrick Brydon, 34.49, Gerry Moss, 41.55, Dave Nightingale, 38.46, Malky Gowans, 43.35 and Graeme Murdoch, 39.37.

Ladhope 2009 Results

The club would like to thank both Graeme Murdoch and Paul Morris for the
redesigned and challenging course, Graeme for his race preparation and organisation on the day, Graham Capper and Neil Renton for time keeping, Esther Murdoch and Rosi Capper for marshalling, Billy McCulloch for his much-needed support and
the Ladhope Inn for the food afterwards.

Contrasting with the harsh conditions of Saturday, 5 Harriers headed north for Loch Ness to find a light breeze, dry and occasionally sunny conditions very much suited to the marathon distance.

Over the challenging 26.2 miles of stunning scenery, Gillian Duncan was the first Gala athlete home in an excellent time of 3 hours 25 minutes and 50 seconds, reflecting her tough training programme over the summer months. Billy McCulloch found supporting Saturday’s Ladhope race and a family wedding perfect preparation for his race and achieved a similarly fine time just 11 seconds behind Gillian in 3.26.01. Iain Bell ran a well-judged 3.29.35 and should be very pleased with his effort and marathon first-timers and new club runners Lisa Hogg and Alan Murray completed the set in 5.11.08 and 09 respectively.

Between the two weekends, the Harriers’ AGM held last Thursday in the Young Men’s Club was well attended and very positive in its outcomes. Club President Tony Lunn outlined the progress that the Harriers had made in various areas of development and shared his visions for the future. The Club Captains reported on a year of mixed fortunes for senior club athletes and many highlights from within the junior ranks. The Harriers would like to thank the YM Club for their continued
support, the office bearers (retiring, current and new) and Leanne Haining for her excellent catering on the night.

Posted on Tuesday, October 6th, 2009 at 2:26 pm and is filed under News, Race Reports, General Information, Race Results.
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