Kilmarnock Harriers take part in gruelling 3000ft hill race

Apr 17 2009 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

KILMARNOCK Harriers hill-racing specialists, Roddy Pugh and Alasdair Murray, went to the Lake District on Saturday for the Anniversary Waltz, a 12-mile, 3000ft hill race just outside Keswick.

In great conditions, and with great views of the Lake District, the long run-in to the first hill was followed by a couple of steep descents/ascents to three more tops before finally reaching the top of Cat Bells, a very popular hill overlooking Derwent Water.

With around 400 entrants, Al finished in 2hr 19min, with Roddy in 2hrs 32, the latter using the race as an unconventional training session for the London Marathon, which takes place a week on Sunday.

Three other Harriers took part in Sunday’s annual Tom Scott Memorial 10-mile Road Race, which was staged around the lake at Strathclyde Country Park.

Running conditions were very favourable with next to no wind, but the course was fairly undulating, and as it was the latest instalment in the Scottishathletics Grand Prix Competition, featured a large percentage of the country’s top athletes.

Kate Todd featured well, finishing first in her age group. Running 74.22 she took first place in the F55 category.

David Mitchell too finished well inside his target time, and, as he has been suffering from serious injury recently, was delighted with the outcome.

This was yet another good race to get under his belt as he continues his road back to full fitness, all the more encouraging as he had competed the previous day at the weekly park run race at Pollok Park.

Scott Martin also had a decent run, stopping the clock in 57.55, which was just inside his personal best for 10 miles, and completed a fine day for Killie.

On the track at the Dam Park on the same day, a number of Kilmarnock athletes young and old were in competition at the Ayr Open Graded Meeting.

Among the seniors to run on the day was James Wales, who took part in the 1500m. Although finishing marginally outside his best time for the distance, James was almost a minute ahead of his nearest rival, finishing in a time of 4.29.

Almost immediately on the track was the 5000m, and three senior harriers featured.

Les McDerment was another athlete returning from injury, and a time of 19.34, while shy of his best, proves he is on the right track.

Kara Tait ran her best time for the tough 12 and a half laps of the track. Aiming for 19 minutes, Kara ran well inside this mark, and her 18.45 run was a big improvement for her.

Connell Drummond too had an excellent run as he went under 18 minutes for the first time. His time of 17.31 won the race by a margin, and well done to him and everyone who competed over the weekend.

ALL Harriers, and anyone else who intends to take part in the hugely popular Troon 10K, are reminded that entries have to be in soon for the PRE-ENTRY ONLY race which takes place on Wednesday May 6th. Details on the Troon Tortoise website.

Much more Harriers info at www.kilmarnockharriers.com.