Mull of Kintyre Half Marathon & 10k – 30 May 2010

Paul, Mary, Jan & David

To the sound of massed pipers (well what else would you expect) both races started at the same time only soon to diverge. Doing the Half Marathon was David Spy running still in Helensburgh colours, although now living in Kintyre since last month. Despite home renovations being his more recent priority, David showed his new neighbours what he is capable of, running a commendable 1.45.41. The Half Marathon also includes a tricky stretch along the beautiful Machrahanish beach. Also doing the Half, and in preparation for her Ultra race in two weeks time was Mary Connolly who ran a good 1.57.03 to place her in 20th female position. Her training partner and fellow ultra competitor Ms Wylie had better take note of her improving form.

Paul Thompson as usual performed well to finish in 2nd place in the 10k, the winner being more than 30 years younger than him! Paul’s time was 36.18. Jan Fellowes was the other Helensburgh runner in the 10k having decided bravely (or some would say crazily) to take part that morning, as she had just run the Edinburgh Marathon the week before. She finished 5th female in a time of 47.03, just ahead Chris Moon – an incredable chap who has an amputated arm and leg, who also ran the Edinburgh Marathon last week in an amazing time of 2.54.                                  Race website

Stornoway Half Marathon – 29 May 2010

Land Ahoy

This year Stornoway celebrated its 25th anniversary and was rewarded by a record number of entries. Having added a 10k last year the organisers again offered this popular shorter alternative around the trails and tracks of Lews Castle College grounds. The half marathon itself is the proverbial game of two halfs. The first 6.5 miles are a tour around the streets of the eponymous town acting as a warm up followed by a more challenging second 6.5 miles around the college grounds.

This year Andrew Henderson kept the Helensburgh flag flying by embarking on a solo journey across the minch via Ullapool to provide a suitable test of stamina and endurance for his forthcoming six races in seven days Tour of Fife. Pacing himself perfectly – if slowly around the the course – he dashed under the grand entrance gate to the estate that acts as the finishing line for a pleasing 1.59.10hrs. As usual the post race hospitality and prize giving lived up to expectations with home baking and refreshments to rival the burghs best. Later that evening Andrew and the other runners enjoyed a little additional cross training at the evening ceilidh. His performance at this was reportedly somewhat better than his morning efforts around the race course.        Race website and results + Portobello website report and pics

Clydebank 10K – 27 May 2010

Full report to follow

Race results

Edinburgh Marathon – 23 May 2010

Edinburgh from Holyrood

Things on race day did not exactly fit with their requirements either – Phewerr what a scorcher! – was the temperature on Sunday morning. Not to be daunted the Helensburgh Babes had their race plan sorted; a quick splash of the sun tan lotion, a long slug of water, a dash of lippy and they were all raring for the off in metropolitan Edinburgh for the slog along the Lothian coastline to Musselburgh Race-course and a much welcome finish. John Turnbull long time club stalwart and tea maker used all his own marathon experience to place himself and much needed supplies of water at the 16 mile mark – just at the right time to give the HAAC babes their second wind.

Unlike the race website that gives naff all away in terms of results many hours after the race the HAAC runners put in a hard, hot shift and delivered plenty in terms of results. Jan, spurred on by her Boston disappointment, picked up the gauntlet leading the charge across the line in a PB or is that PR of 3.44.50hrs and no doubt will place high in her age category (now confirmed as 2nd V55). Debbie Savage, using her marathon experience unselfishly, easily came home in 3.48.40hrs. Karen Wallace, the novice of the pack, held it together in the heat for a credible and commendable 4.08.21hrs. Race website

Helensburgh Polaroid 10k – 20 May Helensburgh

Euan on his way to a PB

Over 840 of runners turned out for the Helensburgh 10K road race on May 2o. At exactly 7.30pm race director Julia Henderson fired the gun to get the runners on their way in the first race of the Polaroid Eyewear four race series and Scotland’s best and largest midweek road race with 837 finishers. The race is organised by Helensburgh Athletics Club and supported by local businesses, including Helensburgh Toyota and Honda, it was a very successful event.

This year major gas works in East King Street meant a very late change to the whole course. After the usual loop around Colgrain, runners cut off East King Street up Henry Bell Street, along East Montrose Street and Argyll Street East, turning earlier than usual down at Cumberland Avenue and making their way back along the cherry blossom-lined Argyll Street West.

This was certainly a more scenic course, lined with plenty of enthusiastic spectators, though perhaps more undulating for th efirst 5k. Although the plethora of excellent performances indicated it suited the runners needs. Strathclyde Police were out in force this year to assist at major road crossings and to ensure the smooth running of the race. Their support is very much appreciated.

There was a strong field at the front end of the race, with top Scottish athletes in both the mens and ladies races complemented by a breadth of runners from clubs across Scotland. And there were also those running for personal fitness gains, charity causes and for fun.

In an exciting and competitive race Amanual Hagos, of Shettleston Harriers, once again won the men’s race in 30.38 and Alison Docherty, of Central AC, won the women’s race in 36.28. HAAC runner Paul Thompson won the V50 category in 35.17, beating younger rivals to finish seventh overall. Euan Crumley ran a massive personal best (PB) to finish in 37.46. Another runner who appreciated the new course was Gail Thomas, who ran a well deserved PB of 48.44. A number of HAAC’s beginners group graduated in style by completing the 10k, following their intensive training programme, led yet again this year by Liz Bowden.                                                  Race Results and Photographs

Cateran Trail 55 mile Ultra Marathon – 16 May

Starting out at the Spittal of Glenshee, where Robin finished off his 23 miler last week,  but going more than twice the distance was super keen ultra runner Ann McLachlan. Deciding that the 53 miles Highland Fling was just a tad too short Ann searched high and low for a few extra miles and plumped for a 55 mile run around the Cateran Trail this time around . Ann completed the course in an impressive 12.26.40hrs. Impressive, well it only took her six minutes longer to complete two extra miles – Roger Bannister eat your heart out.Race Website

Goatfell Hill Race 13k – Brodick Arran – 15 May

In this race the “old goat” Paul Thompson did not fall as in his last outing at Ben Lomond. This time round he was more sure footed demonstrating skills more akin to a mountain goat up and down the 880m of ascent over the 13km course. In a field of 88 runners Paul recorded a top ten finish crossing the line a great time of 01:31:36hr to claim 1st V50 prize. Race results

Womens 10k – Bellahouston Park Glasgow – 9 May

With perfect running conditions on Sunday morning 12 of the Burgh Babes toed the line along with 11,000 other ladies for this years Women’s 10K in Glasgow.  The course was busy with crowds to cheer us along & drummers to beat a good rhythm to help the runners get up the “****** Hill at 7km!” – Sorry to the beginners that we hadn’t mentioned that particular delight in training! Lots of PB’s were achieved so well done to all who completed the course.

Ist home was Debbie Savage in an excellent 71^st place in a time of 43.24 followed by Gail Thomas 49.15, Liz McHard 50.53, Sybil Kennedy 51.22, Sharon MacAulay 53.40, Kathy Currie 57.21, Mo Roy 58.12, Susannah Conran 59.08,  Pauline Penman 1.00.24, Louise Dunsmore 1.12.09, Baz Earnshaw 1.12.15, & Lorna Kimpton 1.16.34. Full details here - Race website

Munich Half Marathon & 10K – Olympic Park Munich – 9 May

Munich after the race

Legendary German efficiency is not universal, Helensburgh running prowess is perhaps more reliable.

Flying the flag for club and country through the still impressive Olympic Park in a hot and sunny Munich were a string of HAAC runners competing in both a 10k and, given the heat, a more challenging half marathon. Both races started and finished on Baron de Coubertin Weg in the shadow of the iconic glass roof of the Olympicstadion built for the 1972 Games.

Volcanoes and hotel difficulties were cast aside with a combination of good fortune and smooth diplomatic negotiation conducted in fluent German by Mary Louise, leaving the travelling party several free beers and meals to the good.

The race start was frustratingly delayed by 20 minutes whilst the chip timing equipment was cranked into gear. Julia our own 10k Race Director took notes and prayed no such gremlins would occur for our race later in the month, meanwhile the HAAC athletes unaccustomed to the big yellow thing in the sky baked and dehydrated.

Eventually, after far too much Euro-pop blasting out of the sound system, the gun sounded and both races set off together. Correct pacing, proper hydration and the strategic use of gels proved to be important for the “halb laufers” and as the race unfolded the HAAC crew tactics were spot on. Despite some unclear route marshalling near the finish (Julia again taking careful mental notes) the HAAC pack steadily trouped across the finish line to a refreshing non-alcoholic beer.

Michelle Hetherington, fresh from a good marathon debut at London was first home in a credited time of 1.38.07hr, next home was Alistair the first of the intrepid Wylie team in 1.39.22hr, followed by Jan Fellowes in 1.42.40hr running conservatively prior to her Edinburgh marathon outing at the end of the month, a few places behind was Gordon Howat, bravely fighting off all manor of illnesses in 1.43.50hr, with Anna Wylie bringing the curtain down in 1.59.33hr. In the 10k event Andrew Henderson was first HAAC finisher in a reasonable 53.48min with Mary Louise Rooney completing the team effort in 58.10mins.

The HAAC halb trio of Michelle, Jan and Anna tasted international glory coming away with a hard earned and well deserved 2^nd prize in the women’s race.

Our distinctive yellow and red team colours and our milk bottle white skin marked us out from the rest of the runners and the race announcer attempted some live interviews across the stadiums rather loud PA system. Michelle proved the most coherent non-German speaker and Jan was delighted that the Iggy Pop look-alike announcer wrongly identified Alistair as the elder statesman of the party. Alistair muttered something about being distinguished rather than elder.

Following the race and whilst in Munich, the acknowledged beer capital of the world, the team felt it would be rude not to enjoy the rather fine selection on offer and a pleasant afternoon was spent rehydrating in the Englisher Garden and other bierkellars. Race Photographs

Ben Lomond Hill Race – 8 May – Rowerdennan

After several short, sharp mid-week races the hill running circuit returned to the big hill classics and the splendor of Ben Lomond. On a fine day for racing the course record was smashed by Clydesdales Prasad Prasad completing his efforts in 1.05.51hrs.

Paul Thompson took an unusual and unplanned route down the Ben with an unwelcomed tumble resulting in some hefty bumps and bruises. This “short-cut” did not prevent him finishing 28th out of 196 finishers in an impressive 1.20.43hrs and claiming 3rd in the keenly contested v50 category behind Peter Simpson and Ronnie Gallagher. Next up or rather down and only just over a minute later was Damien Theaker in 1.21.43hr. Showing no signs of flagging from recent ultra racing was Iain Walker who covered the course in 1.30.42. Completing the HAAC contingent was Sarah Walker in 1.54.54hrs. Race Website and Pics

Cateran Trail Race – 23 miles – Blairgowrie – 8 May

The Trail is named after the Caterans – 17th century marauding cattle thieves. The race is 23 miles short starting in Blairgowrie, the berry capital of Scotland, finishing at the Spittal of Glenshee. The runner was Robin Steacy, out to make the distance following a blip at the Highland Fling when injury prevented completion. The time 4.16.40hrs. Well done Robin. Race Report and times

Kintyre Way – 66 miles Ultra Trail Race – Tarbert – 1 May

Stevie “the machine” Bell ably demonstrated that his recent 53 mile Highland Fling outing was merely a warm up for the substantially longer 66 mile Kintyre Way race by winning the event. The race which is a relatively new addition to the ultra running calendar starts in Tarbert and winds it way to a finish in Campbeltown. The event also features a relay race with six legs varying between 6 – 15mls – perhaps a future club team entry beckons. (full results and SB time to follow) Race Website

Dumyat – Hill Race – Stirling – 5 May

If it is mid-week it must be the call of the hills. Following up on their initial tangle with the bog and burn hill race series Paul Thompson and Karl Giarchi once again headed east, this time to the Ochils. A record turnout of almost 300 runners took on the 390m climb up Dumyat Hill starting at the University of Stirling campus. The race consists of 8km of challenging terrain. Dry conditions however, allowed for some impressive times in the 37th running of the race.

The Helensburgh hardcore mountain men proved once more they were up to the task. Paul Thompson flew home to claim the male super vet prize completing the course in 39.08 for an impressive 15th place overall with Karl finishing in 43.51 for 56th place. Race website

Edinburgh to North Berwick – 20 mile – 1 May

Having suffered at the hands of an Icelandic volcano scuppering their planned Boston adventure the intrepid Wylies decided to tempt fate and run a point to point race between two Scottish volcanoes of Arthurs Seat and Berwick Law in the Edinburgh to North Berwick 20 mile road race. The race is a scenic, if testing,  outing along the coastal villages of the south shore of the forth. Starting on Portobello prom and taking in Musselburgh, Prestonpans, Port Seton, Aberlady, Dirleton finishing at North Berwick Beach Road.

Alistair, running an even paced race with sub-8min splits through strong headwinds finished in 2.39 hrs. Anna brought team Wylie home in fine form with a 3.18 hrs run. No doubt both were inspired by the fine views of Fife across the river. Anna gleaned from one experienced marshal that the headwinds were the strongest for many years and Alistair commented that the hardest bit of the course was the buffeting breeze whilst running past Cockenzie power station. Both enjoyed their outing to East Lothian, the well managed race and would recommend the run to others looking for a change of both scene and distance. Race Website

Whangie Whizz – Carbeth 28 April

In the first race of the popular mid-week bog and burn hill race series three sturdy althletes from HAAC took the short journey over to Carbeth to have a whizz up and down the well known local landmark hill the Whangie.

Paul Thompson, showing the young pretenders a clean pair of heels, finished first V50 for 11th place in a time of 31.28. Karl Giarchi making the most of his mid-week free time and competing in his first hill race completed the course in 34.41. Gordon Howat, showing his adaptability, if not total enjoyment of the course rounded off the trio in 36.37.

Link to Scottish Hill Runners website photographs, good shots of Paul, Karl and Gordon.

Virgin London Marathon – London 25 April

In a field with a record number of finishers, four Helensburgh AAC athletes took advantage of the almost perfect running conditions to complete the 26.2  mile course around the streets of London, roared on by large crowds of enthusiastic supporters. This the first Virgin sponsored event was won by Ethiopian Tsegaye Kebede, runner-up in the world championships and Liliya Shobukhova, from Russia, who fought off a number of would be challengers to follow on from last years third place. Top finisher from the UK in 8th place, was the ever improving athlete from Fife Andrew Lemoncello in 2.13.40hrs.

Of our own domestic stars, Michelle Hetherington made a solid start to her marathon career soaking in the atmosphere to finish well up the womens field in 250th spot in a time of 3.19.11 hrs. Jennifer Fitzgerald, settling into things down south, broke her own personal target to cross the line in 3.29.57hrs. Geraldine Whyte ran a steady race to claim her medal in 4.34.30hrs and training partner Bryan Grant completing his first marathon, despite an injury disrupted build up, showed what he is made of by completing his efforts in a fine 4.44.38hrs.  Race website

Balfron 10K – Balfron 25 April

Taking in the scenic undulations of the popular Balfron 10k on Sunday, amongst a field of 442, were a host of Helensburgh athletes. King of the road was Paul Thompson who cantered home in 35.26 to claim 4th place overall and more significantly finished 1st vet. Next up was the ever improving Ewan Crumley in 16th place in 39.04. Derek Blount in yet another good race finished in 43.14 just squeezing out new kid on the block Lee O`Leary by a single second, who finished in 49th place. Mike Stanfield making good use of his training posted a useful 45.21. Robin Flannagan completed the test in 47.25 and Shona Flannagan easily broke the 1hr barrier finishing in 57.25. Terry Halcrow a recent recruit chipped home in 50.59. Almost impossibly Queen of the road was Ann McLachlan, who only the day previously had completed the small matter of the 53 mile Highland Fling, trotted home cool as a cucumber in 59.59 – no doubt as part of some pre-planned warm down regime. Race Website

Montane Highland Fling – WHW – Milngavie to Tyndrum – 53 miles – 24 April

The deal is you get up un-feasibly early one morning, certainly well before the birds are singing, after months of long hard training, drive to Milngavie, wonder if you have enough of the right stuff and then run 53 miles to Tyndrum.

Simples!

The payback – well I will leave that for the athletes to tell you about in their own words.

On Saturday morning, whilst most of us were tucked up in bed, our colleagues stepped out at the start of the West Highland Way and over the course of the next  53 miles through Drymen, over Conic Hill, down to Balmaha, along to Rowerdennan, round to Bheinn Glas, up to Crianlarich and finally across the finish line at Tyndrum they learned an awful lot about themselves and what it takes to be an ultra runner. None of them came up short.

Doing the full monty were Stevie Bell first HAAC runner across the line in 9.57.20hrs for 37th place, Iain Walker in 10.16.07hrs, Ross McInroy 10.57.19hrs, Ellen McVey first of the Burgh Babes home in 11.54.24hrs, Sarah Walker 12.05.09hrs (blame Iain W for her missing sub 12hrs), Ann McLachlan in 12.20.24hrs, Lorna Masterton in 13.08.00hrs and Robin Steacey (well nearly). Doing it as part of our relay team were Gordon Howat, Andrew Stafford, Jan Fellowes and Maria Dye, who completed the course in a cumulative 9.27.17hrs. HAAC finished second to Carnethy Hill Runners in the Coors Cup competition for the club with most finishers , well done to all of them.

Two hundred and seventy one runners completed the 53-mile Milngavie-to-Tyndrum Highland Fling. Craig Stewart (Forfar) won by nearly 25 minutes from Thomas Loehndorf (Greenock Glenpark). Lucy Colquhoun (Carnethy) was the first woman to finish, fifth overall and more than an hour ahead of second-placed Sharon Law (Garscube).

Sarah Walker recovering from the exertions was not to tired to tell us she would do it again;

“The Highland Fling- a bit of a crazy notion really and for me a new challenge just to complete the 53 mile course in the allotted 15 hours. I had a cunning plan- set off slow, get slower, eat and drink lots and above all enjoy the experience. It worked, and felt like an epic journey from lowland to highland, city to wilderness. I had a couple of low points, dodgy knees brought me to a hobble ‘only’ 20 miles in on the steep descent from Conic hill, meaning I had to walk the downhills from thereon and make up time running a few more of the uphills! The neverending rubbly, undulating path suspended above Loch lomond on the way to Beinglas at 40 miles was the recipient of a few choice words! Thankfully there was some high points as well, including meeting new friends- sharing in pain and the experience, stunning scenery and the amazing sense of achivement at seeing the finish line (after over 12 hours of running) the bagpipes start playing and you suddenly know you have done it! Priceless…. I felt like I had won the London Marathon! It was brilliant seeing clubmates both marshalling, supporting, running the race and relaying and was a real morale boost to see a familiar face at checkpoints and great to share success with everyone at the end. Andrew H particularly must have endured his own epic, acting as B Group ‘groupie’ present at the start, middle and finish, and poor David B having to cope with the gibbering wrecks we all were at Beinglas having 40 miles in our legs and still facing a hot, hilly half marathon! All in all a tough old race but highly commendable, cant wait to do it all again next year!”

Iain Walker also gave his thoughts;

“The Fling was not something I was thinking about running until Sarah talked me round some months ago. With not much training under my belt due to injury I still felt optimistic. Two weeks ago I ran the Highlander Mountain Marathon coming in 5th on the A class, and no sign of the injury, so I thought ok lets go for a good time in the Fling. I set my sights on sub 9 hours and worked out what splits I’d need to achieve that. Hoping for a rainy overcast day, as I don’t do well in the heat, I was pleasantly surprised by the rainy start at 0400 on Saturday morning, this was not to last. After waving Sarah, Ann and Ross off at the 0600 start and Stevie B away at 0700, it was my turn at last.

With stomach churning in trepidation of the 53 miles that lay ahead and the pace I was aiming to set, the race got under way, before I knew it I was running with the leading pack flying through Mugdock park and on our way to Drymen, averaging 7.3 min/miles. Conic hill flew past and on the descent I could feel my quads complaining which I wasn’t expecting until at least half way. Checkpoint at Balmaha, fill up bottles, stock up on gels and banana cake, crack on ! No time to waste. The next section is a good trail but pretty undulating and I found it tough going. Thinking about nothing other than the next checkpoint I was just focusing on maintaining the pace, lots of encouragement from the vets as I passed really helped keep the momentum. It was good to hear Claire, Julia and Andrew’s familiar shouts of encouragement as I approached Rowardennan and the half way point in just under 4hrs.

Action Shots Click

Honourable mentions also for providing race support and marshalling duties go to Emma Cummings, Andrew Henderson, Julia Henderson, Dave Bailey, Claire Heasman, Jan Fellowes (Aches, pains and all things tachycardic), Paul Thompson with Wilson Hamilton and Jimmy McGovern performing the vital last runner sweeper role (tail end Charlies).

Race Website

In depth race report from our fellow runners from Portobello: Click

Boston (USA) Marathon – 19th April

What volcano

The much anticipated big race between the ‘Boston Trio’ soon became a contest simply to get to the start line.  Two teams were competing, Team A: Anna, Alistair and Jan flying Glasgow – London – Boston and Team B: David and Wendy flying Glasgow – Newark – Boston.

First news of flight cancellations broke on Thursday 15th and both teams considered their options.  As the Glasgow – London route was the first to close Team A paid £22 each and headed down to the overnight bus to London to be in a better position if things improved.  The omens for Team B were not good.  The chocolates and champagne promised at their airport hotel turned out to be a cheap bottle of wine and a couple of chunky Kitkats.

Friday 16th dawned dusty and both teams flights out were cancelled.  In a mad gamble Team A secured flights out for Saturday 17th at significant extra cost.  Team B upped the stakes and bought the only seats left out of Glasgow which were first class, using money set aside for home improvements (the new kitchen could wait another year!).  So on Friday evening both teams watched and waited to see how things would pan out.

In Glasgow things were looking good – Police with machine guns had started patrolling the airport again and a few flights were coming and going.  However, bad news came in a text from Team A in London – “Flights cancelled.  Getting buggered in the bar.  Good luck!”.  It wasn’t until 3.30am on Saturday that the last hopes were dashed with the renewed shut down of all UK airspace and all flights were off.  Text from Team B to Team A – “Our flights cancelled.  Getting buggered also!”.

And so we look to next year!

Chris Hoy Edinburgh Half Marathon – Edinburgh 18 April

Starting at Meadowbank stadium in Auld Reekie (Edinburgh) and running along the East Lothian coast finishing at Musselburgh Race Course this 13.1mile jaunt had two things going for it. Firstly the elevation tilts downhill in the runners favour and secondly it had the presence, in a field of over 3,400 runners, of the mighty yellow and red running vest in the shape of Gordon “Bolt” Howat.   Having focussed his training plan in recent months Gordon is beginning to reap some reward for his efforts and ran well enough throughout the race to finish in  a PB breaking time of 1.32.28.

Rotterdam Marathon 26.2 miles / 42k – Rotterdam 11 April

Experience can teach you many things; you need to train to an achievable plan, build your fitness, improve your stamina, master fatigue and have a belief in your own ability to reach your goals . Common sense can guide you to taper enough to recover from the intensity of training to leave you feeling like a coiled spring on race day, rest and fuel properly before the race and to have supporters to cheer you on throughout the course of the race. Marathons however, do not respect either experience or commonsense – they are imperious to the thoughts and hopes of athletes.

And so it was – if convincing Julia Henderson that a 3.05.08 finish at Rotterdam was adequate recompense for the hours and the miles trotting out a winter training schedule around the penninsula and early morning runs into Glasgow the marathon would not be imperious. If it were a parlour game of Cluedo “it was the wind wot did her in guvnor” who cares now if it was Colonel Mustard or Miss Scarlett!

Given the more recent “Boston Four” experience or rather non-experience at least Julia was able to toe the line and test her mettle against the best. Four out of the five fastest marathon race times in the world have been on the Rotterdam figure of eight loop and the course has the fastest average time for the top 1,000 finishers. So anybody looking for a speedy course with PB potential and a well organised overall event experience could do worse than pick Rotterdam. As a short break Rotterdam also has much to be recommended. It is like Glasgow cleaned up, with a proper metro not an orange Hornby train set for an underground, a ship museum that respects the city heritage and they even do a 10k event alongside the marathon.

The race starts outside the Town Hall with the firing of a cannon that sets the 14,000 odd runners off down Coolsingle, out to the harbour and Erasmus bridge at a rate of knots as befits one of the elite marathon races. It progresses across the old harbour to the south of the city before looping back and around some lovely parks in the north and its eventual finish in front of the Town Hall to the sound of cheesy Europop. Julia was nothing if not consistent in her pace for each 5k segment of the race. Averaging 21.30 5k splits up to half way and a turn around mark of 1.30.15, just outside her target time. In the second half whilst she consistently overhauled all manner of broken and beaten athletes, the wind had driven the speed out of her sails and her splits were pegged back to a 22.30 5k average. On course support no doubt helped keep the wheels on the wagon, with the other running Henderson performing well on his feet and metro to pop up and shout encouragement on no less than six occasions whilst enjoying the benefits of the imposed fartlek training! The glory of finishing first Scottish women home was also missing as Collette Fagan, Commonwealth 10,000m runner, completed in 2.46.32. Although as a measure of how difficult the conditions were this was some 8mins off her target and slower than her time from Amsterdam last Autumn.

Lessons to be learnt 1) It helps to be a Kenyan if you are a man 2) It helps to be an Ethiopian if you are a women 3) It helps a lot if you have pace makers shielding you from the wind – see the vests on the photographs (Click)

For the record the mens race was won by Patrick Makau in 2.04.48 (Kenya) and the womens race by Aberu Kebede (Ethiopia) in 2.25.29. Julia was 6th Veteran. Race Link

Richies Run 9 mile & 5 mile multi-terrain - Glen Fruin – 11th April

Whether to run the full 9 miles or the shorter 5 mile race is a matter of choice or bravery for the competitors, what is not optional for the runners is the hard effort required to get round the course. The races provide a fitting tribute to the MOD police officer Richie Wonnacott, in whose memory they were set up.

A healthy squad of 12 Helensburgh AAC athletes assembled to take their own particular challenge. The event is an out and back run for five mile runners and an essentially circular route for the 9 milers. The race has a “charm” all of its own and starts and ends at the head of historic Glen Fruin. It goes on to traverses the military training area all the while flanked by the magnificent Arrochar Alps should any of the runners have taken the time to admire the scenery.

In the 9 mile womens race, won by Toni McIntosh Ayr Seaforth Harriers in 1.05.15, Sarah Walker demonstrated her off-road prowess finishing in 1.20.56 to claim 7th place – and all this without a race taper as she prepares for the somewhat more gruelling 53mile Highland Fling at the end of April. Next home for the ‘burgh was Anne McLachlan in 1.29.46 in 11th place closely followed in 12th by Anita Rogers 1.38.13. Supporting each other around the challenging course were Liz Bowden and Donna Stevens for whom the time keepers had difficulty in splitting as they dipped across the tape and were both credited with 1.47.03 in 15th & 16th place.

In the mens 9mile race Derek Blount, carrying forward his recent Balloch half-marathon form, finished well up the field in 6th place completing his efforts in 1.09.15. Hot on his heels was Gordon ” the Bolt” Howat in 1.10.07 for 7th place, demonstrating the benefits of more consistent running training and application of effort. Completing the HAAC trio was Jim McGovern in 30th place with a commendable 1.47.03 finish.

In the 5 mile race Robin Flannagan, took time out of the water to complete the course in 41.01 for 9th spot.

In the womens 5 mile race Shona Flannagan just missed out on a podium finish in 48.39 for 4th place. Christine Erskine came home in 58.13 in 10th position and the final HAAC runner recieving plaudits at the finishing line was Tina Rickerby in 1.05.40 claiming the not so lucky 13th spot. Race results and details clickity click.

Tom Scott Memorial 10 Mile RR – Strathclyde Park – 11th April

Paul Thompson put up a spirited defence of the Veteran Over 50 title he’s won for the last two years at the Tom Scott Memorial Ten Mile Road Race. From it’s inception in 1962 the race was traditionally run over a point-to-point route from Law to Motherwell but for safety reasons it is now held within the confines of Strathclyde Park. The distance is still 10 miles, the runners negotiating almost three laps of the loch, and this year having to contend with rather hot weather for the time of year.

Paul’s valiant attempt to retain his title saw him run over thirty seconds quicker than last year, chasing down his rival, Carnegie Harrier Iain Stewart. Eventually the pair finished 19th and 20th overall in the quality 200-strong field, separated by just four seconds, 58:08 to 58:12, with Paul disappointed to have lost his title but pleased to have taken the fight right to the line