Athletics: Kilmaurs man wins cyclists versus runners race

Dec 25 2009 by Lizzie Struthers, Kilmarnock Standard

A LARGE number of athletes braved the Artic elements at Sunday’s Cyclists versus Runners Race in Irvine.

The conditions favoured the cyclists over the five-mile cross country route as the pedal pushers took four of the top five positions.

The race turned into a personal triumph for Walkers Cyclist Neil Walker, of Kilmaurs, who powered into the lead from the start and put on a tremendous display of cyclocross to finish well clear in 25.29 to give him his third win in the race.

The only challenge to Walker’s wheel power was Ayrshire Cross Country Champion, David Millar of Irvine AC, who chased the eventual winner throughout to finish a worthy second in 27.53.

Third home was Pete Forsyth of Walkers CC in 28.19 just ahead of clubmate Steve Lockhart, with Walkers cyclists Scott Russell and Hamish Forsyth finishing fifth and sixth respectively to claim five out of the top six places.

Lee Wilson of North Ayrshire AC won a battle to be first under 20 as he finished in 29.44 for seventh place – his best-ever placing in an Ayrshire cross-country event – just edging out Cameron Wilson of Kilmarnock Harriers who was eighth in 29.47

Cammy was only just pipped for second and is surely now in shape to crack his personal best times over all distances.

First female Kilmarnock Harrier was Paula Wilson.

Mentions must go to Kilmarnock Harriers Lorna Sloan and Jim Goldie who switched over to the bike and both had fine races in 39.08 and 32.00 respectively.

Also former Harrier turned cyclist Scott Russell finished an excellent fifth overall in a time of 28.22 to sadly secure bragging rights over partner Paula Wilson for the next 12 months.

Finishing times for Walkers CC were: 1 Neil Walker 25.29; 3 Pete Forsyth 28.19; 4 Steve Lockhart 28.22; 5 Scott Russell 29.08; 6 Hamish Forsyth 29.32; 15 Russell Mowat 31.51; Colin Miller (Irvine AC) 20 Anna Walker 33.40; 38 Catherine Logan 38.37; 41 Alex Crawford 40.13; Julie Nimmo (Walkers CC) failed to finish.

The full Harrier running times were : 7 Cammy Wilson 29.47; 23 David White 34.26; 25 Les McDerment 34.50; 33 David Mitchell 37.09; 37 Paula Wilson 38.09; 44 Liz McDerment 40.45.

THREE days previously the annual Harriers Christmas Handicap was held over a two lap course starting and finishing at Kilmarnock College, with the 2.9-mile race taking in London Road and Strawberrybank.

Handicapper Les tries to set athletes out in order of predicted finishing times, the quickest athlete on paper starting the race minutes behind the front runner.

Unfortunately for the timekeepers, Les got it almost spot on, on this occasion, as a blanket finish amongst a large number of athletes made it almost impossible to keep track of finishing times.

What was clear however was that Jackie McCulloch’s very generous handicap saw her first past the post.

Quickest time on the night came from Ross Connelly, Brian McEwan or in-form Cameron Wilson, who had a bit of daylight between themselves and Iain Connell and Scott Martin.

Over 40 Harriers took part in another excellent event and thanks go to all the organisers.

Finally, all at Kilmarnock Harriers wish a very happy 75th birthday to member and former world champion Hugh Rankin who continues to set times which many a person half his age would be proud of.

For more Harriers information visit www.kilmarnockharriers.com