London Marathon 2011
April 18th, 2011Blue skies, light cloud and a starting temperature of 10 degrees rising to more than double that as the day went on – sounds perfect for watching a marathon? For the club runners participating in this world famous event however, the temperature on the streets proved a tough ask on Sunday, despite the exceptional times and performances of the leading runners and wheelchair athletes in the elite field.
Several Gala Harriers made the journey south with mixed fortunes on the day. With loyalties to both Lauderdale Limpers and Gala Harriers was Calum Stewart who broke the magic sub-3 hour mark with a superb run in 2 hours 59 minutes and 11 seconds, a wonderful effort. Fergus Johnston was the next Harrier home in an impressive 3.14.39, marginally ahead of Derrick Brydon in an equally creditable 3.14.49. Rachel Fagan motored through the first 13 miles in 1.33.49 but found the second half less to her liking, giving her a final time of 3.17.12. And Carole Fortune just missed the 3 ½ hour mark in 3.31.04 – but all athletes should be commended for representing their club with such grit and determination over the toughest of distances.
SPORTING WEEK AHEAD/COMING UP: Gala Harriers’ own 10K Hollybush Handicap race – Saturday 23 April, 2pm from Gala Academy.
