Cross country juniors from Kilmarnock Harriers run some good times

Mar 20 2009 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

JUNIOR Athletes from Kilmarnock Harrier and AC were in action at the Scottish Secondary School Cross Country Championships last week at Irvine Beach Park.

Fern Wales ran in the first race, the girls group D, and although the weather was dry it was extremely blustery along the shore side, making it a tougher than usual test when combined with the hills.

Fern ran a strong race and can be happy with her performance, finishing 25th place out of 105 in a time of 13 minutes exactly.

Brogan Wallace (Grange Academy), Amanda Humes (Stewarton Academy) and Eve Kerr (Loudoun Academy) all completed in the girls group C race.

All three girls ran great races and finished well inside the top 20 in a field of 110 finishers. Brogan, with another year in this age group, led them home in 10th place a time of 13.24 in 10th, despite falling over on the high ground.

Next home was Amanda in 13th in a time of 13.32 followed very closely by Eve Kerr in 16th in a time of 13.36.

IAN McAughtrie’s fitness continues to improve and at the weekend, he took part in the Glasgow ParkRun in Pollok Park.

Ian finished 76th in a time of 25:50 for the 5K route. This event is free to enter and is held every Saturday morning at 9.30am. Start and finish at the Burrell Collection car park.

Club mate David Mitchell improved his course best by two minutes, finishing in 22:34.

ANOTHER recent recruit to the sport of running is Sorn’s own Ally Mitchell. However, not content with improving in the one sport at the weekend he entered the Martin McMillan Memorial Duathlon.

A great sixth with his partner meant a tremendous start to his Duathalon career, ahead of some more fancied pairings.

The event, held in Martin's memory, raised £161.30 for the British Heart Foundation. Kenny Girvan and Neil Smith were the winning team.

THE Alloa half marathon will take place this weekend with a number of Harriers scheduled to race over the 13.1-mile distance.

The long Sunday run for those not opting for Alloa is the route along the Ayr Road to Dundonald, returning via Dreghorn and Kilmaurs.

An option to Rowallan gates gives you the full distance of 21 miles. There are a number of turn-off options on this run as well.

THE Scottish Athletics Road Relay Champs Four Stage (Woman) and Six Stage (Men) will take place at Livingston (Almondvale) on Saturday, April 4, at midday.

The laps alternate between short (3.15miles) and long (5.8miles). Entry is £3 per person and entry must be in by this Saturday, March 21.

Kilmarnock Harriers have groups for all fitness levels, abilities, ages and aspirations. Club nights are Tuesday and Thursdays at 7pm at the sports wing at Kilmarnock Academy.

Log on to www.kilmarnockharriers.com for more information.