Athletics: Good turnout for Kilmarnock Harriers race

Nov 13 2009

KILMARNOCK Harriers had a great turnout for their fourth and final open race of the year.

Some 200 athletes, which is an increase on numbers from previous years, met at the town’s Kennedy Drive on Sunday.

The course is considered one of the toughest tests of cross country running, with challenging hills and trails.

Despite freezing early morning temperatures, conditions were excellent by the time the under-11 girls’ race started at 1pm.

A full list of junior results will follow in Standard Sport in the coming weeks.

In the last race of the day, the senior and under-20 men’s event, East Kilbride’s Grant Baillie led from the gun and his time of just under 32 minutes was a great effort for the six-mile, three-lap course.

Irvine’s Billy Richardson showed a welcome return to form, the past winner finishing second.

Killie’s James Wales showed his liking for the grass as he ran on strongly to finish, not only first under-20, but third overall - a fine effort.

Ross Connelly finished a couple of places behind James as he put his recent strong endurance training to good use in what was a huge step up in distance for him.

David Mitchell was the next Killie finisher in another improved run as he finished in 22nd place.

Thanks go to the many Kilmarnock Harriers who gave up a few hours on Sunday afternoon to make the day run so well.

THE previous afternoon at the Stranraer 10k, Les McDerment had an excellent run to finish 10th out of the 200 runners on a hilly course.

His time of 38.55 was just one second off his personal best, which bodes well for his running for the rest of the winter.

Wife Liz finished fourth lady and also picked up the F40 prize as she ran 45.12.

Rosemary McMillan and Jan McLeod were the other Kilmarnock competitors finishing in 51.21 and 53.56 respectively.

ALSO, the previous day, serial hill racer Roddie Pugh made the trip to Tinto to compete in it’s annual hill race.

Roddie once more ran well, and can look back on yet another fine hill running season.

THE annual Kilmarnock Harriers presentation evening is on Saturday, December 6. Tickets, including food and entertainment, are £8 for seniors and £5 for juniors.

Anyone wanting to go should see their coach or a committee member. Seniors wanting tickets can see Scott Martin. All prizewinners should attend.

CIRCUIT training is well under way for the winter, and Jim Goldie’s sessions take place at Kilmarnock Academy at 6.30pm on Mondays. Cost is £1 per member with non-members paying £2.

MORE Harriers, athletics and contact details can be found at www.kilmarnockharriers.com