Ruby Young memorial race takes place at Dean Castle

Jun 12 2009 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

THIS Sunday sees the Ruby Young memorial races taking place at Kilmarnock’s Dean Country Park.

All proceeds from the day go to the Ayrshire Hospice, and there is something for all the family on the day.

As well as the traditional 5K Runs, which are held separately for ladies and men, there is also a one-mile family walk around the Park.

The fun day is on from 11am to 3pm, with the ladies race starting at 11am and the men’s 30 minutes later.

All races can be pre-entered by means of the various entry forms around the town, or entries can be taken early on the day.

Last Thursday saw the running of the third of the four annual Polaroid 10K road races at Dumbarton.

Seven Kilmarnock Harriers were taking part in a race which was part of the Harriers Summer Championship, and hot on the heels of his top 10 placing at the previous runs in Helensburgh and Clydebank, Keith Haining was once more at the sharp end of the field.

Although Keith was a bit disappointed with his effort, his 34.29 time was still enough to secure him 3rd vet for the third consecutive race and further proof of the Shortlees man’s consistency over 6.2 miles.

Fine runs were achieved by all Harriers in the 715 field, but again mentions go to Liz McDerment who clocked almost a minute off her personal best time for the distance, while husband Les dipped under 40 mins for the first time since recovery from injury.

Killie times were: 15th Keith Haining 34.29, 47th Connell Drummond 36.29, 119th Les McDerment 39.44, 190th Paula Wilson 42.02, 255th Brian Darroch 43.57, 260th Liz McDerment 44.02, 299th David Mitchell 45.23.

A week past on Sunday, along with thousands of other athletes, two Kilmarnock Harriers took part in the annual staging of Scotland’s largest 26.2 mile road race – the Edinburgh Marathon.

Arlene Rowan and Brian Darroch both fared well in the heat. In one of the warmest days of 2009, Arlene clocked 3.50.47 in her debut marathon, while new member Brian was just behind as he cut the tape in 4.14.39, two great efforts.

On Sunday, a mere 65 hours after his run at Dumbarton, Leslie McDerment was again in action – this time at the Carluke 10K. Les improved again, this time finishing 16th in 39.29, a course best for the Valley man. As this was not too far outside his 10K lifetime best, Les will have high hopes of lowering this time in the coming weeks.

At Pollok Park’s weekly free 5K park run race, David Mitchell continues on the comeback trail as his 20.58 run was his best yet. Andy McGhee improved on his previous week’s time as he ran 18.45, with Ian McAughtrie on 24.32.

Huge mentions to Ian’s wife Carol, who despite falling at the start of the race, got up to continue, and finished well.

The Harriers were well represented at the Kilpatricks Hill Race. With 430m of ascent over a distance of 10k, the race starts just north of the Erskine Bridge climbing sharply onto an undulating plateau, around a couple of small reservoirs and back towards the bridge.

2008 hill champion David White made a rare, but as usual successful, appearance finishing in 14th place and first Harrier in 51.18. Further back was Al Murray, 33rd in 55.27, closely followed by Mike Corson in 56.16 and 37th place.

For his first hill race in three years, this was a good performance by Mike and a bit too close for comfort for the regular hill runners! Mike had been told this was roughly a 45 minute race and true enough, the winner finished in a course record time of 43 minutes.

Next for Killie in 61.37 and 58th place was Roddy Pugh. This lifted Roddy to an excellent seventh place in the Scottish ‘Bog and Burn’ hill race series after four events and is a fair reflection of his dedication to hill racing.

Andy Taylor, completing for the third time at the Kilpatricks improved his time from last year, finishing in 71 mins for 86th place.

The Kilmarnock 10K Road Race takes place at the slightly later date this year of Wednesday, July 1. A percentage of the entry fee goes to Cash for Kids.

Discounted entry can be made in advance for the ASDA-sponsored race, and forms are available in the store, at Scott Ellis Clubhouse, or from any member of Kilmarnock Harriers.

Log onto www.kilmarnockharriers.com for more information.