Four Kilmarnock Harriers record personal best times

Mar 27 2009 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

ON Sunday a group of Kilmarnock Harriers took the road to Alloa where, along with 1000 other athletes, they took part in the town’s yearly half marathon.

And four of the Killie contingent returned with personal best times for the 13.1-mile distance.

Despite recent injury, former ladies captain Paula Wilson put her sore foot to one side for the day as she was to finish not only first Harrier, but 3rd V40 female as well, and was the first of the quartet to pb.

Liz McDerment has also been running well of late and it was no surprise when she cut the tape in a lifetime best.

Jade Minto and Joan Graham ran together for the race, both crossing the line in the exact same time, and the two friends and training partners were very happy at the end to discover that they were the 3rd and 4th Harriers on the day.

Leslie McDerment, on his return from a bad injury which sadly put paid to his Flora London marathon hopes for 2009, was just happy to complete the run pain-free.

Rosemary McMillan completed her first half -marathon for a few years and all are happy to see her return to the club, Marion Burns had another strong run, while Anne Anderson completed the tough course with Ann Minto.

Times and positions: 185th Paula Wilson 1.33.00 (pb), 264th Leslie McDerment 1.36.53 , 364th Liz McDerment 1.42.21 (pb), 534th Jade Minto 1.48.42 (pb) , 535th Joan Graham 1.48.42 (pb) , 600th Rosemary McMillan 1.52.13, 717th Marion Burns 1.58.18 , 861st Anne Anderson 2.08.12 , 862nd Ann Minto 2.08.12.

With the help of the aforementioned Anne Anderson, Kilmarnock Harriers are starting a ten-week beginners walk/jog group. The programme is aimed at people who have never jogged before or have very little running experience.

This is ideal for anyone who wants to shed a few pounds, meet other people of similar fitness level and be able to walk, jog or run the Ruby Young 5K, after the 10 weeks.

You can register for the programme on Tuesday, March 31, in St Joseph’s Academy, Grassyards Road, any time from 7pm until 8.15pm. The first walk/jog session takes place on Thursday,,April 2.

To receive further information and a registration form please email 5kplan@kilmarnockharriers.com

The Harriers are holding a race night on Saturday, April 18, at Bellfield Community Centre. Tickets and race cards will be available from the Wales family and all proceeds will go to club funds.

The Kilmarnock Harriers 10K has switched dates from the traditional May slot, to Wednesday, July 1. Big Plans are in place for the night, including a 5K fun run to be held before the event.

Club fees are now due, and should be paid to Alasdair Murray, or any committee member.

The next committee meeting is on Monday, April 6, and for more information log on to www.kilmarnockharriers.com