Kilmarnock Harriers' youngsters at national event

Apr 10 2009 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

AT the National Junior Road Race it was the under-13 age group, where Kilmarnock Harriers had a strong presence, with seven girls and eight boys lining up in a very strong field, who led the way.

Brogan Wallace, with a silver, was the top performer and set the tone for what was an excellent day.

She was supported by her Bronagh Wishart (33rd), Fern Wales (44th), Lorne Kerr (47th), Alana Cameron (59th), Alanis Bryden (69th),and Katie Mackie (74th). The first three finishing fifth team on the day.

The boys managed overall 13th place, with Fergus Morris being the fastest in 23rd place. There were a number of new athletes competing in their first National Championships. Andrew Jones was the first of these to show, finishing 69th, followed by Ryan Wilson (76th), Rory Morris (87th), Peter Baird (88th), Michael Smith (89th), Liam Gibson (90th).

The under-15 girls continued their impressive form with Amanda Humes top performer in 24th place, followed by Eve Kerr (26th), Sarah McDonald (55th), Deborah Frew (62nd). The team finished in 8th place.

The under-15 boys secured sixth place, just two places behind local rivals Ayr Seaforth. Luke McGill, Roy Shankland and Cameron Mackie were the counters for this team.

Only three athletes were competing in the under-17 age group with lone female Lois Shankland finishing 12th.

Ross Connelly and Murray McDonald were also competing in the under-17 boys race. Covering 6000m the young men had a tough challenge on their hands against Scotland’s top under 17 athletes. Ross finished a creditable 21st with Murray finishing 37th place.

Results: U13 girls 5th team (79): 2. Brogan Wallace 11:38; 33. Bronagh Wishart 12:38; 44 Fern Wales 13:07; 47. Lorne Kerr 13:18, 59 Alana Cameron 13:42; 69 Alanis Bryden 14:05; 74 Katie Mackie 15:18.

U13 boys 13th team (168): 23 Fergus Morris 11:33; 69 Andrew Jones 12:46; 76 Ryan Wilson 13:09; 87 Rory Morris 14:01; 88 Peter Baird 14:04; 89 Michael Smith 14:07; 90 Liam Gibson 14:09; 92 Jordan Wilson 14:52.

U15 girls 8th team (105): 24. Amanda Humes 18:16; 26. Eve Kerr 18:29; 55. Sarah McDonald 21:27; 62. Deborah Frew 23:52.

U15 Boys 6th team (96): 35. Roy Shankland 17:02; 43. Cameron Mackie 17:26; 55. Luke McGill 18:33; 61. Evan Cornforth 20:12; U17 girls 12. Lois Shankland 21:41; U17 boys 21. Ross Connelly 21:06; 37. Murray McDonald 25:51.

The first open track meeting will take place at Dam Park, Ayr, on Sunday, April 12. The bus will leave Scott Ellis at 10.45am.

This event is also the trials for selection to the Ayrshire Harriers Team for the first SYAL meeting on May 3.

On Saturday, 14 Senior Harriers took part in the National Road Relays at Livingston.

Despite numbers being hit by injury and illness, captains Kara and Connell were nevertheless able to field two female teams of four, and a male team of six.

The event’s legs alternate between short (3.15 miles) and long (5.8 miles), and sprinters Steven Currie, Kara Tait, and Avryl Cornforth were first off in short distance runs for their respective teams.

All Harriers ran well, with Kara and Connell achieving personal best times for the course, while Eddie Tonner completed his first race in months.

Thanks to the injured Alan Bryden and Les McDerment who were drafted in at short notice and did well.

Killie times were:Mens Team (31st) Short Leg (3.15 miles) Steven Currie 19.12, Eddie Tonner 17.48, Alan Bryden 19.30.

Long Leg (5.8 miles) Scott Martin 33.44, Connell Drummond 34.48, Leslie McDerment 39.29

Womans Team A (19th) Short Leg – Kara Tait 19.41, Rosemary McMillan 23.41; Long Leg – Paula Wilson 39.47, Liz McDerment 42.16.

Womans Team (32nd) Short Leg – Avryl Cornforth 26.15, Tracy Kerr 26.33; Long Leg – Marion Burns 50.10, Lorna Sloan 46.49.

Kilmarnock Harriers Lesley Phillips and Susan Beattie ran the Chris Hoy Edinburgh half marathon for the second consecutive year.

Running together, the pals stopped the clock in 1.47, which wasn’t too far off their best times for the distance.

Alasdair Murray took part in the weekly Park Run 5K Race around Pollok Park on Saturday, clocking 20.13 and finishing inside the top 20. Former Harrier Craig Sheerin who also had a fine run finishing in 20.59.

Alison Wales will be putting an order in for club kit at the end of the month. Anyone wishing kit should see Alison in advance of this date.

A race night will be held on Saturday, April 18, at Bellfield Community Centre. Tickets are available from the Wales family.

For more information on training times and the cloub in general, log on to www.kilmarnockharriers.com