Club 5k, 27 October

Last Sunday saw the final race of the Strathearn Harriers championship series with the club 5k race held on Lady Mary’s Walk. Both Men’s and Women’s championships were already decided, with Patrick  and Nicola having taken top spots with a race to spare, but there was still competition for the silver and bronze positions.

The club 5k is a new event this year and has proved a popular addition to the championship series. Race conditions were not ideal, on a showery, blustery sort of day and the runners  were very glad of the hot drinks and cakes kindly served by Frances Graham and Lesley Johnston. The race saw 20 adult Harriers racing, alongside 11 Juniors (or in many cases, behind the Juniors!). First to finish was Phil T in a fine time of 19.53, followed by Paul T (20.49) and John D (20.51). Emily was first woman in 21.09, followed by Maddy (22.35) and Kerry and Wendy sharing a time of 22.55. First Junior home was Angus Lindsay (20.53) followed by Huw Thomas 21.42 and Levi Sweeney (22.00).

In the event there was no change to the 1st three positions of both Men and Women's competitions. Patrick  won the Men's championship with some quality performances and Nicola took the women's prize with a combination of some excellent performances and by running more races than anyone else in the club. Patrick and Nicola will receive their trophies at the club Ceilidh in January. Taking second and third places were Phil and Gordon in the men’s championship and Emily and Maddy in the women’s championship.

This year has been the most successful year for the championship in terms of the numbers of club members taking part in championship races and completing the required set of five races. With more new members joining over the last couple of months, next year’s championship should be even more competitive.

Also in action at the weekend was Jim, running his second marathon of the year at the Dublin marathon. After a long injury-enforced break, Jim has made a terrific recovery this year and raced really well in Dublin to record a time 3.17.27. Matt McClay was also in marathon action at the Abingdon marathon the previous weekend, finishing with a very good 4.00.31 – agonisingly close!

And as a final round-up, new club member Nick Gough ran the Jedburgh 10k in a great time of 39.42, to finish in 14th position – all those speed sessions paying off!