New name on the Kilmarnock Harrier Christmas Handicap trophy

Jan 2 2009 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

THE Kilmarnock Harrier Christmas Handicap race is a long- running event which dates back to the 1930s.

Over the years the course may have changed, but the format is still the same, with social race convener Les McDerment attempting to have a blanket finish across the competitors.

The 2008 race was last Thursday, with 43 athletes competing in the senior race. First runner off was Carol McAugutrie, with Wendy Duncan hot on her heels.

The prestigious ‘Back Marker’ honour this year went to Ian Connell, who was set off some 14 minutes behind Carol.

First past the post and a new name on the trophy was Eve Kerr, who finished in 27:32 (net time 20:22) and more than half a minute clear of fast finishing Evan Cornforth in 28:11 (net time 21:06).

New member Susan Canavan- Daly was a fine 3rd in 28:32 (21:37). The fastest runner on the night was Keith Haining in a new PB time of 15:33. Full results in order with net time:

Eve Kerr 20:22, Evan Cornforth 21:06, Susan Canavan- Daly 21:37, Coleen Tait 19:41, Roy Shankland 20:41, Amanda Hume 21:03, Marie Gorman 18:23, Laura Cairns 19:11, Paula Wilson 20:07, Liz McDerment 21:00, Connell Drummond 17:14, Kara Tait 18:24, Bethany Ross 21:46, Ross Connelly 16:52, Keith Haining 15:33, Joe Kimmett 21:08, Grant Beattie 17:52, Willie Duffy 19:40, Harald Bartyl 18:50, John Cairns 17:33, Scott Martin 16:34, Alan Brydon 18:21, Jim Goldie 19:36, Susan Beattie 21:55, Alistair Murray 19:24, Cameron Mackie 17:59, Bryce Kerr 21:42, Melanie Johnstone 24:15, Jody Morris 24:11, Iain Connell 16:29, Stewart Ferguson 18:12, Roddy Pugh 21:39, Ann Graham 26:14, Alex Pettigrew 21:09, Murray McDonald 21:50, Lois Shankland 23:25, Ian McAugutrie 24:21, Carol McAugutrie 33:15, Wendy Duncan 33:00, Sam McKinlay 27:11, Jordan McDowell 26:31, Calum McAugutrie 26:21, Nicole Hamilton 35:09.

Many thanks to all the helpers, marshals, parents, coaches and athletes for turning out on such a dreadful night and especially to Leslie for compiling the handicaps.

Three lucky winners of the Flora London Marathon draw made on the night of the Handicap were Les McDerment, Willie Duffy and Jan Mcleod. Serious winter training starts now for the trio ahead of the biggest and best marathon in April.