Hollybush Report 2011
April 26th, 2011Had it been the day before or after, the temperatures out on the Hollybush road would have been sub-tropical; but on Saturday afternoon for Gala Harriers’ club 10k handicap, the conditions were blissfully cool and slightly damp with just a light breeze for the out-and back route to the Rinks Farm via Hollybush.
21 Harriers and two Lauderdale Limpers gathered outside the Academy for the annual running of this popular race, with 4 of them with the London Marathon of the previous week in their legs.
First off was Lisa Rybowski, a newcomer to the club who was supported on the route by Dougie Paton and over the next 23 minutes the remaining runners started off with their allocated handicaps based on predicted times. Some very good performances knocking chunks off personal bests meant that some of the top places were hard-fought and produced exciting finishes. First to reach the waiting crowd and getting her hands on the silverware was Gina Allen in 47 minutes 21 seconds with Vicky MacDonald next back in 48.56, and Gillian Sandie, home from Edinburgh University for the holidays in 51.18, just holding off Colin McCall who produced the fastest time of the day (37.23) to storm in 4th having moved steadily through the field, with recent recruit Kelly Doogan not far behind in 54.00. Lauder Limper Tania Bridges (57.18) pipped Sinclair Hill (38.21 and 2nd fastest time on the day) to the post, followed by a posse of Harriers – Billy McCulloch (40.26) Rachel Fagan (41.05) Martin Clarke (39.38) with Tania’s fellow Limper Andy Jackson just half a minute her behind in 50.48. Magnus Inglis (39.22) led in the next wave of runners – Derrick Brydon (40.15) Calum Stewart (38.43 and 3rd fastest time on the day) Fiona Shepherd (44.48) Tony Westbury (39.35) Rosi Capper (59.48) Fergus Johnston (39.21) and Lisa Daly (57.32). Malky Gowans (44.07) renowned for his late starts did not disappoint and was just held off by Billy McBain (48.06) who appeared to have done the course back to front before he started, while brave Easter hares Dougie and Lisa came back in 1.13.57 and 58 respectively to a massive round of applause.
Thanks must go to Graeme Murdoch for his handicapping and race organisation and to the marshalls who supported along the course.
Tony W Says:
I’d love to claim the 39.35 you have me down for here, but I did run 40.35. Congrats to all who ran – especially those running just a week after a hard marathon. Thanks to Graeme and the marshalls – much appreciated.