Ben Lomond Hill Race & Hollybush 10K 2010
May 9th, 2010A busy weekend for Gala Harriers saw action on the sundrenched hills around Loch Lomond and on the warm country roads around Galashiels at the club’s own Hollybush 10k handicap.
The Ben Lomond Hill Race takes place at romantic Rowardennan where on Saturday under blue skies and in balmy conditions, 2 young and 2 older Harriers pulled on their fell shoes and Gala vests to tackle the steep ascents and tricky downhills of the Ben. Alice Haining, Scottish hill champion in her age group was not competing because of exam pressures but Rowan Marr who is perhaps more comfortable on flatter courses, came in a creditable 4th place in 23 minutes 34 seconds in the Under 14 boys race, a single loop with a tough climb and an even dodgier descent with burns to leap and rough terrain to negotiate.
Georgia Nesbitt from Tasmania, working in the Borders for her gap year has adopted the Harriers as her local club and has already proved to be a young runner of some note. She competed in the girls Under 19 race on her 18th birthday and celebrated in style by coming home 4th overall and in silver medal position in the U19s in 23.19, after picking off some of Scotland’s best in a mature and measured race. After the first lap, Georgia was lying in 8th place but then reeled in six runners, all of whom had more experience on the Scottish hills and indeed over this course than she did, a superb effort. After the race, national selectors were disappointed to find that Georgia has no Scottish blood and therefore not eligible to represent Scotland – but what a feather in her young cap!
In the senior race attracting 196 competitors, husband and wife team of Alison and Ian Wilson enjoyed their outing on the slopes with Alison (1.46.07) beating her other half (1.50.01) to the welcome finishing line in 137th and 149th places respectively.
Closer to home, 20 Harriers and 2 guests from Lauderdale Limpers gathered at Gala Academy in conditions that couldn’t have been better for their annual Hollybush 10k handicap race. The undulating roads leading past Hollybush to the Rink and back make for a scenic if not easy 6 miles but handicapped races mean everyone has an equal chance of winning. In general those that run significantly better than their predicted time are likely to finish well up the leader board and there were plenty competitive performances to report on.
Kate Henderson, one of the Lauder guests was the eventual clear winner in a fine time of 50 minutes 44 seconds but closing fast was first Harrier Magnus Inglis in an impressive 39.25, almost 2 minutes faster than his predicted time. (Photo of Magnus receiving trophy from Ladies’ captain Rachel Fagan to follow). Tony Westbury was second in more than a minute faster than anticipated (39.42), while Jenny Forbes stole 3rd place only a few seconds behind him in an excellent 43.55. The fastest times posted on the day came from Mark Bryson in 38.07, followed by supervet Martin Clarke (38.58) fresh from his London Marathon success and Alan Goodson just 5 seconds behind in 39.04. The fastest time by a female came from Ladies’ captain Rachel Fagan (40.21) with young Georgia Nesbitt (40.53) proving that back to back racing is OK (if you’re only 18). Third fastest woman was the third prizewinner, Jenny Forbes.
Other fast finishing runners were Gerry Moss (47.18) Eileen Nicol (45.19) Vicky MacDonald (51.09) Tony Lunn (40.10) Paul Daly (40.18) Tania Bridges, Lauder (55.37) Colin McCall (41.30) Derrick Brydon (39.49) Gillian Sandie (52.43) Rosi Capper (58.05) Malky Gowans (43.06) James Purves (53.21) and John Patterson (49.21).
Thanks as ever must go to the race organiser Fiona Shepherd and those who helped on the day, as well as Purely Scottish who sponsored the water for both this and the Gala 10k at Netherdale last month.
Results below photos in gallery from 10K.
A Combined Athletic Events Festival is taking place just over the border at Hexham on 15 May, with age groups from 9 upwards. If there are any juniors interested in taking part, please let Head Coach Neil Renton know as soon as possible. Also, for the Sporting Week Ahead, young Gala Harriers compete at Wishaw in the Scottish Athletics closed championships for track and field, Saturday and Sunday 15 and 16 May.
