Arran Half Marathon

Two Harriers sailed overseas for the Arran Half Marathon today. Not so fresh back from his holidays, defending champion Stuart Gibson finished 7th in a time he confesses was a personal worst of 1:22:24. Perhaps too many karaoke sessions! Every cloud has a silver lining though and Kenny Beattie achieved a personal best of around 1:40.

Trossachs Training Camp 2008

After the success of last year, we have again organised a weekend training camp in the Trossachs with the invaluable assistance of our club sponsor EKGTA Ltd. The event takes place over the weekend of Friday 5th September to Sunday 7th September 2008. Genevieve has distributed the information package and registration form to all current members but as before, the TTC is open to anyone so if you need more forms, please contact Genevieve at ATHelite Running Supplies or download the package from here:

http://www.calderglenharriers.org.uk/ttc.html

There is also a TTC link in the main menu to the left. This year we have some new speakers, some new sessions and some route variations (but hopefully the same weather). Registrations are coming in fast, so get your name in soon to avoid disapointment.

Vertical Mile

The final race in the Grand Prix series, the Vertical Mile, takes place this Thursday 3rd July as part of the normal training. We will leave the club at the normal time in packs for a gentle run down to the start. The prize giving will be after the event back in the Sports Club.

Calderglen Trail Race Results

The full results of all Friday night's trail races are now available on our web site at the following link:





http://www.calderglenharriers.org.uk/TrailRace.html

Some of the 3k prize winners are pictured.

Starting with the under 9 year old's 1km, a very competitive race saw Cambuslang's Sean Reilly (4:28) head Calderglen duo Callum White (4:29) and Ryan McParland (4:32) to the finish. First of the girls was Niamh Brown of Cambuslang (4:35) followed by Robyn Connolly (Victoria Park CoG 4:38) and Emily McNicol (4:40). A total of 64 youngsters took part including all of the following Calderglen Harriers: Drew Gordon (4:59), Mhairi Davidson (5:04), Emma Lawton (5:07), Sarah Crawford (5:51), William Brady (6:02), Fiona Cullie (6:13), Craig Holmes (6:15), Lewis Boyd (6:56), Ewan Boyd (6:56), Kirsty McMonagle (8:08) and Kieran English (11:05).

The 3k race contains two age categories, under 13 and under 15 year old's. 57 under 13's lined up in the field and Giffnock North's Scott Young was the eventual winner (11:39) followed by Luke Foss of Law and District AC (11:42) and Ryan Thomson of Cambuslang (11:52). First in the girl's race was Maria Milliken of Kirkintilloch Olympians (12:44), followed by Jill Cherry of Motherwell AC (13:04) and Kerri Millar of Cambuslang (13:29). The Calderglen Harriers team comprised: Ross Barrie (13:06), Cameron Crawford (13:28), Ian Rae (13:55), Ross Paterson (14:14), Alastair Crawford (15:20), Nicola McCleary (15:38), Amy Mullholland (16:12), Eilidh Davidson (16:32), Paul McMonagle (18:25), Megan Brady (19:10) and Matthew Cheales (25:27).

Only 15 under 15 year old's were in the field, led home by Craig Wellcat of Law and District (10:15), Grant Muir (10:33) and Alastair McCallum (10:48), both of Giffnock North. Mairi Brown of Cambuslang (12:12) led home East Kilbride AC's Rachel Thomson (13:24) and Jacqueline Ferguson (13:34). Calderglen Harriers' sole representative in the race was Ewan Murray in 6th place (11:27).

70 competitors took part in the over 15 year old's 5k. Almost a clean sweep for East Kilbride AC with Stephen Matthews (15:05) first, Ross McLearie (16:12) second and David Gorman (16:33) in fourth. Dave Adams of Hamilton Harriers (16:24) split the EKAC team. Nicola Lindsay (17:49) of Law and District was first lady, with Nicole McLeod (18:19) of Giffnock North second and Julie Whyteside (18:25) of Whitemoss AC third. No Calderglen Harriers in this one as the "slightly" over-15's were encouraged to tackle the 10km race and the "considerably" over-15's were all helping out with the organisation of the events.

The 10k field (photo left) was perhaps slightly dented by the weather but still a very impressive field of 154 took part. The race was won by an up and coming young athlete David Phee (34:17) of Giffnock North with former winner Robert Gilroy of Cambuslang second (34:37) and veteran Graeme Croll of Giffnock North third (36:46).

Calderglen Harriers' Andy Buchanan (photo below) ran to an excellent fourth place (37:49), with team mate and first Junior Ben Ferguson 17th (41:37) and Stephen Reilly in 20th (41:58). Giffnock North won the team competition with Kirkintilloch Olympians second and the Calderglen trio third. First lady was Hannah Waugh of Kilbarchan AC (43:08) with Mary McCutcheon of Giffnock North (43:53) second and Joanne McEvoy of East Kilbride AC third (45:14).

Some more photos of the prize winners and the 10k finishers are also located on the web site.

Could the Giffnock North male runner with race number 95 in the 10k please get in touch as you took your entry form away with your number and we don't know who you are.

A number of jackets and waterproofs were left behind after the event. We have collected them together, please get in touch to arrange collection.

West Highland Way Race Results

Congratulations to Ian Rae on completing the 96 mile West Highland Way Race on Saturday/Sunday (!!) in a time of 29 hours, 20 minutes 19 seconds. Yes, that's 1 day, 5 hours, 20 minutes and 19 seconds. A great achievement and I am sure his family and helpers throughout the event are just as tired as he is.

Aberfeldy Triathlon

Genevieve Freeman recorded her first podium finish EVER in the Aberfeldy Sprint Triathlon today, finishing 3rd Senior Lady in a new course best time of 1:22, just 4 minutes behind Colin. The course comprised a 750m swim in the pool, a 20km cycle and a 5k run. Well done!

EK Half Marathon Results

A fair number of Harriers took part in the EK Half this morning. Not sure if I got everybody as club names are not listed in the official results, so please leave a comment with your time if I missed you. This race was part of the Ladies Grand Prix so top marks for Sandra who was running her first half marathon. The ever improving Andy Buchanan set a pb in this, his second half marathon and Gerry McParland would be pleased to be first of the Harriers home. Click the link for the Calderglen results:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=p_aBIInrxrvNyTFPmBauRJQ&hl=en_GB

There were undoubtedely a few Harriers doing the 10k Fun Run too but the absence of club names makes it difficult to find you all!

Chatelherault This Monday

Just a reminder that it is Chatelherault this Monday 23rd June. As usual, meet at the club for 7pm if you need a lift or do not know where to go. Otherwise, meet at Old Avon Bridge Road car park for a 7:30 start. Please try to be there on time otherwise you may well miss your pack.

Vets 5k Results

The annual Scottish Veteran Harriers 5k Road Race championship took place at the usual venue in Clydebank Business Park on Wednesday 11th June and two Harriers took part. The flat, multi-lap course through the industrial estate is ideal for fast times and Scot Hill established a new pb of 18:10 finishing 8th overall and first M40. Stuart Waugh achieved a season's best of 19:11 in a closely fought M55 contest.

Chatelherault Lap Time Data

Could everyone remember to pass their Chatelherault lap times on to Genevieve as we are rather short of data from the most recent visit:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=p_aBIInrxrvMplUqkL3CtPg&hl=en_GB

Remember that Chatelherault is not a time trial. However, as your fitness improves, the same level of sub-maximal effort should get you round in a faster time. At least this is what I am hoping to see.
Thanks
Alan

Rouken Glen 10k - Grand Prix Update

Although I couldn't be there to see it, the Grand Prix is hotting up following the Rouken Glen 10k.

The lady's results were as follows with Frances extending her GP lead in an excellent time and Mary consolidating second place. However, Sandra now has a joker.

F MAXWELL 44.30
M GOLDSMITH 48.40
S REID 49.04

There are still two events remaining in the Lady's Grand Prix; the EK Half and the Vertical Mile.

In the men's race the following times were recorded:

Stephen Reilly 00:38:29
Scot Hill 00:39:03
Eddie Reid 00:39:47
Kenny Davidson 00:40:34
Stuart Waugh 00:40:45
David Herbertson 00:41:10
Jim Holmes 00:41:35
Stephen Phimister 00:42:18
Graham Lindsay 00:42:55
Russell Couper 00:51:06

With only the Vertical Mile to go in the men's GP, Jim Holmes has now tied with Kenny Davidson for first place and Eddie Reid and David Herbertson are tied for third place with Russell Couper close behind.

I can't update the web site from here in deepest Lappland but you can use this link to see a summary of the men and women's Grand Prix positions:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=p_aBIInrxrvO3W6sjV0FvDA&hl=en_GB

Relay for Life

The recent “Relay for Life” 24 hour event at the John Wright track was a fantastic success for Calderglen Harriers. The money raised for our chosen charity, Cancer Research, has exceeded all expectations. Once all monies have been collected I will publish the final figure. The success of the 24 hour event is down to the ladies of the club who took up the challenge given to us last year to increase our participation and contribution to the Cancer Research charity. Without their drive and determination the event would not have produced such a successful outcome. Their commitment to this cause should hopefully inspire others in the club to get involved in our many ventures and relieve the pressure from the regular volunteers. Our thanks also to East Kilbride Pipe band for the use of their tent which provided shelter and a focus for our fund raising efforts. Once again, well done to Irene and Angela and all the team.

Malcolm

Dechmont Law Trail Race Results

Surprisingly breezy conditions greeted the squad of Harriers who travelled through to Livingston for the Dechmont Law 10k Trail Race and children's 2k fun run.

As one of the last races in this years Calderglen Grand Prix series, all the contenders were present. First Harrier back was Scot Hill (37:49), comfortably ahead of Eddie Reid (38:45) and Grand Prix leader Kenny Davidson (39:20). Stuart Waugh maintained his lead over Jim Holmes and David Herbertson (40:35, 40:44 and 40:50 respectively) throughout the race although they were always close together as shown in the photograph from early in the race. George Stewart is still not recovered from a virus and coughed his way to a time of 42:39 whilst Russell Couper found the undulating course hard going (55:59).

In the lady's event, Frances Maxwell stretched her Grand Prix lead in a time of 44:20 followed by the ever improving Sandra Reid in 48:51.

In the junior 2k, Nicola Reilly finished 5th girl in 10:12 with Stuart Hill demonstrating a very fast sprint finish in 12:20.

A few more photographs from the event are available here:

http://www.calderglenharriers.org.uk/gallery/dechmont2008/dechmont08.html

The Grand Prix has been updated and the gaps are tightening up. Next race is the Rouken Glen 10k this Thursday 12th June.

The West Highland Way in Pictures

A photographic summary of the West Highland Way Relay weekend can be found here:
http://www.calderglenharriers.org.uk/gallery/WHW2008/whw2008.html

At the end of the photo gallery, you will also find folders containing all (or at least all the publishable) photographs taken by our snappers David Searil, Eddie Reid, Stephen Reilly and Russell Couper.

Dechmont Law Trail Race - Grand Prix Event

Just a reminder that the next Grand Prix event is the Dechmont Law Trail race on Sunday 8th June. The race starts at 11am but registration closes at 10am at Deans High School, Livingston. Therefore, cars are leaving from EK Sports Club at 8:45 on Sunday morning.

For those making their own way there, the address is:
Deans Community High School
EASTWOOD PARK
DEANS
LIVINGSTON EH54 8PS

Click here for a map:
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=EH54+8PS&ie=UTF8&ll=55.907919,-3.549914&spn=0.011739,0.037422&z=15&iwloc=addr

Dumbarton 10k Results

Despite the clash with our own 5k time trial and the equally attrocious weather, the Harriers were well represented at the Dumbarton 10k on Thursday evening. First Harrier back was Andy Buchanan, taking a big chunk out of his pb in 35:48. Next in was Richard Leach in 36:43, followed by David Herbertson yet again improving his pb to 41:09. Russell Couper completed the line up in 53:32.

Auldhouse 5k Time Trial Results

Horrendous conditions for the first 5k time trial in the series with torrential rain, thunder and lightning during the event but still a great turnout. The official times can be viewed here:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=p_aBIInrxrvPphZsIOTy8HA&hl=en_GB

The dates of the future time trials are shown in the above results sheet.

Relay For Life

What is Relay For Life?
Relay For Life is a unique event. It brings together communities, Survivors and those who have been touched by cancer to celebrate life and help raise money for Cancer Research UK.
Local teams of friends, family, neighbours and colleagues fundraise within their local communities throughout the year, raising all they can for the life-saving work of Cancer Research UK. Then get together for a great overnight event of celebration and commemoration that everyone in the community can join in.
At the event people gather at their local race track, park or sports field and take turns walking laps. Each team tries to keep at least one member on the track at all times, whilst all around them a party is in full swing. The teams, their supporters and visitors from the local community create a carnival atmosphere.
Every Relay For Life lasts 12 to 24 hours, runs overnight and includes a
Survivor’s Lap of Honour and a moving Candle of Hope ceremony.
This year the Harriers have included a slot ( Sat 2-4pm) for the Junior
Section to be part of this event. If your child can make it please let the
coaches know as they will be organising the children into teams.
Parents will be required to stay with their child on the day, but don’t
worry we are organising a tea shop for you to sit and enjoy the event.
There will also be lots of things going on at the track for you to enjoy
so bring along family and friends and make this a day to remember!
Everyone is welcome to join in at the opening/closing
ceremonies, hope to see you there!!

Any questions regarding the Relay fort Life event please give me a call.

Malcolm

01355 231063

West Highland Way 2008

The most Harriers, the best weather, a fast time, the most swimmers AND the next thrilling installment of "Eddie's Incredible Journey", the 2008 Calderglen Harriers West Highland Way was certainly one of the best! 28 Harriers shared the running, driving and supporting over the 96 miles of the West Highland Way on Saturday 31st May. (photo - the finish)

A bright and breezy Genevieve Freeman started us off at 5:20am from an already warm Milngavie station handing over to Sandra Reid after 4 miles. Despite thick mist hanging in the glens, Sandra navigated the stage to Dumgoyne with ease. Colin Freeman had a fine 5 mile run to Drymen before he and Genevieve had to head home for work. Alan Cullie had the first big climb of the day over Conic Hill into Balmaha where his arrival was met with relief. Not that we doubted his ability to run the 7 miles of tricky terrain but industrial quantities of Avon Skin so Soft, Jungle Formula and Old Spice were having limited effect on the millions of midges, serving merely to drown a few midges and give a couple of American tourists the wrong impression of Calderglen Harriers.

Mandy Cullie took over from her husband and ran us up to Millarochy accompanied by Colin Banks. Mandy was so keen to prove that her injury worries were over that she included an extra loop of the Balmaha car park at the start of her leg (OK, she was lost!). Jim Holmes flew over the next stage running to Rowardennan in a time identical to the second to his only previous time over this leg. Cometh the hour cometh Davy Watt for the longest and toughest leg up the 14 mile length of Loch Lomond to Inverarnan. As usual, the mini buses only just made it to the change over before Davy. By now the sun had burned the midges off. Good news and bad news for Frances Maxwell and Gerry Mullen as they climbed for 6 exposed miles to the top of Glen Bogle above Crianlarich. WHW first timer Kenny Beattie then took over for a surprisingly nippy wee leg over to the A84 crossing at Ewich. Mary Goldsmith and another WHW first timer David Searil then had an excellent run in the now oppressive heat as far as Tyndrum where the little shop was selling water like hot cakes!

And then Eddie Reid. Following a careful briefing from the coach, explaining that this was the most straightforward and best running leg on the route with no chance of going off-course, just keep the road on your left, the mountains on your right, Eddie proceeded to complicate it, ably assisted by a lumberjack. No sooner had we set Eddie off and returned to the mini-buses when we heard a shout of "he won't let me past!". Just out of sight, a pair of lumberjacks had started to fell a 60 foot conifer across the route of the WHW. Despite us sending Colin MacDonald up to mediate, the lumberjack would not let Eddie proceed under the now partially felled and stuck tree. Anyway, a few minutes later, it was down, Eddie was over and off. The final twist was Eddie meeting 30 young Scouts on mountain bikes in the narrow tunnel under the railway at Bridge of Orchy; another delay! (photo - waiting for Eddie at Bridge of Orchy)

Russell Couper and regular sparring partner Colin MacDonald tackled the sharp ascent from Bridge of Orchy over to Inveroran very comfortably indeed. Next, in-form and first time WHW participant Stuart Gibson was entrusted with the 8 miles of Rannoch Moor and completed the leg in a great time. Club President Chas Steven and returning from injury Louise McGovern enjoyed the descent on the leg from Black Rock Cottage to Kingshouse. Then 17-year old Stephen Reilly set our fastest ever time on the 4 mile stage to the foot of the Devil's Staircase to hand over to a by now frustrated Jamie McMonagle. Despite a back pain on the ascent, Jamie had no problems on the descent into Kinlochleven and again, the mini bus only just made it to the change over in time. Alan Derrick then faced the severe climb out of Kinlochleven and over 8 miles of rocky wilderness into Lundavra, struggling with his fitness and the heat. A relieved Alan handed over to Scot Hill accompanied by son Stephen for penultimate stage up and over into Glen Nevis. Scot fell for the deliberate mistake in the WHW signs and ended up on the road a tad earlier than intended but still set an excellent time. Finally, the biggest ever mass finish for the last mile into Fort William with most of the participating Harriers running as a group to finish in 12 hours 53 minutes.

A jubilant team then proceeded to the excellent Ben Nevis hotel to enjoy the leisure club facilities before dinner and a full evening of fun. For once, the traditional Sunday beach party at Connel Bridge was blessed with Mediteranean conditions, tempting the majority of the Harriers into the sea (briefly). Only on the journey back to East Kilbride did the sun disappear and the rain begin. Many thanks to Malcolm Buchanan for once again organising a great weekend for us all and to all who supported us throughout the journey!

(Photo - some of the brave/foolish (delete as appropriate) swimmers at Connel Bridge).

See the full story in pictures soon via the blog (anyone with photos, please pass them to me on a CD or memory stick and will compile an album for the blog. Don't e-mail them, there are likely to be too many).
Alan