Norham 10K, Loch Ness Marathon & AGM 2010
October 4th, 2010Despite the chillier autumn mornings and torrential rainstorms which have characterised our weather lately, two athletic events over the past weekends have provided perfect conditions for racing – with well deserved results for Gala Harriers.
The Norham 10K follows a challenging but attractive route after the toughest first mile climb out of the village and it certainly suited Alan Goodson who recorded a personal best time of 38 minutes 21 seconds as the first Harrier home for his welcome tea and scones, as well as second place in his 50+ age category. The girl’s team of Nicola Porterfield (48.08) Dawn Grant (48.57) and Gina Allen (50.32) worked well together to win the 2nd women’s prize, with Dawn finishing as the first placed woman veteran. John Paterson couldn’t quite catch them but enjoyed his run in 50.51.
A week on and the Loch Ness marathon attracted 6 club runners who, again in perfect racing conditions proved that a varied training programme over the summer months reaps dividends when it comes to the most testing distance over the roads. In what must be one of the most scenic road races in the country, the Baxters marathon is certainly undulating but seems to draw the very best out of those who tackle its 26.2 miles. In cool and perfect weather Jenny Forbes recorded a superb 3 hours 34 minutes, with Colin McCall 5 minutes behind in 3.39. Fiona Shepherd should be mightily pleased with her excellent time of 3.41 as was Margot Crosbie in 3.42.27, Eileen Nicol in 3.42.49 and Dave Nightingale in 3.43. (Exact times to be confirmed from the Baxters website in the morning and digi pic attached to the next email – caption: ‘ smiling finishers in the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon, l to r – Fiona Shepherd, Margot Crosbie, Colin McCall, Dave Nightingale, Eileen Nicol’).
Also run as part of the Baxter’s event is the River Ness 10K in which Susan Howel (55 minutes) and Anne Purves (61) flew the Gala Harriers’ flag.
Between the two weekends the Harriers held its Annual General Meeting in the Gala’s Young Men’s Club with a grand turnout of members to hear retiring President Tony Lunn look back over an active two years at all levels for the club, as well as successes on road, hill and track for the club’s juniors and senior athletes, ably presented by club captains Magnus Inglis and Rachel Fagan. The newly elected committee looks forward to another year of development and success, with the club in a secure financial situation thanks to Treasurer Martin Clarke.
