5000 Metre Track Results, Blaydon Race, Scottish 5K Road Race champs and Bob Marshall at his best
June 10th, 2011A flurry of recent athletic activity to report from Gala Harriers, most notably Thursday night’s club 5K track race at Tweedbank when 17 runners braved the relentless 12 x 400 metre laps. First home in a super time of 17 minutes and 31 seconds was Mark Bryson who had over half a minute lead over second placed Steve Martin in 18.06. Sinclair Hill took the bronze medal place not far behind him in 18.14 (picture of top 3 attached with next email.)
There were some good performances a little way down the field which resulted in Colin McCall (18.22) holding off Paul Daly (18.56) and first lady home Kirsten Maxwell who had a storming 19.14 and then Bob Marshall (19.24) Greg Symons (19.51) and Dave Nightingale (19.53) just beating second woman, Gillian Duncan (19.55). Almost a minute elapsed before Billy McBain (20.45) Gerry Moss (20.49) and Fiona Shepherd (just pipped at 20.50) followed them, with Mario Cochrane (21.22) Dawn Grant (23.16) Hayley Jefford (26.03) and Lisa Hogg (26.05) making it across the finishing line in good shape.
At the same time, Graham Capper was keeping the Gala vest prominent on the streets of Newcastle, ‘gannin’ alang the Scotswood Road’ in the annual 6 mile Blaydon Race which he completed in 43 minutes 45 seconds before eating raw black pudding and pickled onions which is the joy that awaits all Blaydon runners whether they like it or not!
In May, the oldest active member of the club, Bob Marshall and newest Dad Graeme Murdoch competed with the best in Scotland in the Scottish 5K Road Race Championships at Silverknowes in Edinburgh. Graeme put in a most impressive time of 15 minutes 57 seconds to achieve 23rd position, while Bob won the 60+ title in 19.32. Bob then went on to compete in the Scottish National Masters Track Championships at a very windy Meadowbank and was pushed all the way but took first place in 19.20, just 4 seconds ahead of his nearest rival. Between the two events, Bob made it a trio of golds at the Scottish vets 10k road race in Glasgow which he won in 38.55, this time 40 seconds ahead of the second placed runner.
Sporting Week Ahead/upcoming fixtures: Lauder Two Pubs Race between Oxton and Lauder, Tuesday 14 June at 7.30. Also, ‘Come and Try’ sessions at Queens Centre 6pm, Monday 13 June and Tweedbank 6.15pm Thursday 16 June.
