Brig Bash 3 July 2013

The latest Harriers championship race was the Brig Bash, a 5-mile road race around Bridge of Earn, run last Wednesday evening, in perfect running conditions. With an additional prize for the fastest first mile, the start was a helter-skelter dash through the streets of Bridge of Earn which caught a few runners going out faster than they might have planned  – I was certainly a bit startled to hear “6.12” shouted out as I passed the mile mark. I don’t often run at that pace!

Race winner was Lewis Millar of Central AC, in 24.55. Chris was our first Harrier to finish in 30.16, followed closely by Charlie Grimson in 30.27, and Phil T in 30.38. I finished in 32.16, down a bit on last year but not too disappointing, and happy to stay ahead of Jim on 32.55. Gordon lopped a big chunk of his previous best time on this course to finish in 33.55, while Zac Howie came in in 38.06.

For the women, race winner was Fiona Matheson of Falkirk Victoria Harriers in 28.24, flying the flag for the women super vets. First Harriers woman was Maddy in 34.26 after a very fast first mile. Nicola was second Harrier in 38.13, and Ali third Harrier in 39.07. Fiona L put in a fine effort to finish in 45.19, as part of her speed training for the Great North Run later in the year.

Positions in the men’s Championship race are unchanged, with Patrick still in a clear lead on 74.6 points. I’m second on 67 points, a fraction ahead of Phil T on 66.1 points, so it looks like Patrick has the men’s championship sewn up, barring injury, but the race is still on for second and third places and will depend on strategic use of jokers in the forthcoming races. It remains a tight competition for the women. Emily still leads the way on 71.8 points, with Maddy on 69.6 points and Nicola on 63.5.

Oh, and more good post-race cake.