Kilmarnock Harriers show good cross country form

Dec 12 2008 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

ATHLETES from Kilmarnock Harriers had a relatively short distance to travel last weekend to compete in the West District Cross Country Championships.

The event was held around the Irvine Moor, with Ayrshire Harriers stalwarts Bob Reid and Jim Young setting out a tremendously varied and fast course around the historic local landmark.

Highest placed senior was Keith Haining, finishing 30th of 200 runners in a time of 34:21 for the 10K course.

Keith underlined his great current form by finishing second Ayrshire athlete in the race. Scott Martin built on his recent medal winning race at the ‘Ayrshires’ by again having a strong run to finish 49th in 35:41.

Connell Drummond had a bit of a ding-dong battle with Laurence Baker of Ayr and Graeme Haddow of East Kilbride. Only four seconds separated them, with Connell recording a time of 38:02.

The trio of Leslie McDerment, Alasdair Murray and Willie Duffy finished in 41:20, 42:21 and 43:10 minutes respectively.

In the women’s event, the top three from Kilmarnock were Kara Tait, 26:09, Lindsay McMahon, 26:15 and Lauren Campbell, 27:35. Other club finishers were Emma Mackie (27:59), Paula Wilson (28:51), Liz McDerment (29:27) and Marion Burns (34:07).

The next few weeks are going to be particularly busy for Kilmarnock runners with both road and cross-country events in their racing diaries, with the first of these the Christmas handicap on Thursday, December 18, around the Kay Park, London Road, Strawberry Bank loop. Social race secretary Les James McDerment is the contact.

Then it’s back to the Irvine Moor on Sunday, December 21, for the annual Cyclists v Harriers cross-country race, of special significance in the Russell/Wilson household as Scott (cyclist) and Paula (athlete) compete head to head for bragging rights. Both are former club captains and Scott was a 1:24 half-marathon runner before his switch to two wheels.

Boxing Day, and the action moves to the Ayr shorefront, with the Ayrodynamics Turkey Trot 10K Road Race, before the final race in the festive quartet at Kilbirnie on January 2, the Beith Harriers New Year Road Races.

The Harriers membership continues to build, but special mention must go to the Irvine group, led by coach Ron Cheyne, who have recently become affiliated to the Harriers. While based in the New Town, they will wear Kilmarnock vests and be a great asset to the club. The Harriers welcome them and wish them well.

Winter training continues on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Kilmarnock Academy sports wing. All groups start at 7pm and new members are always made welcome.

The junior section head coach is Jim Goldie while Jim Young’s senior endurance group training sessions are held in and around the Kay Park. The group is open to those starting back training or trying running for the first time. Ian McAughtrie is the group contact.

The Sunday run this week will start as usual at 9am from Scott Ellis and heads east to Galston, then back via Milton.

Log on to www.kilmarnock harriers.com for all results, contacts and links.