ATHelite Run in the Park 5k

Well - were we lucky again with the weather or what?
Given that the trails were covered in either snow or sheet ice a couple of days previous we ended up with a clear 5k course with only a few splodgy areas to trouble our intrepid runners.

The race started at 10.00am prompt & saw an early lead out by Stephen Matthews as the runners left the open park & headed into the 'undulating' trails. Who knows what went on in there for the following 16 minutes but first out into the view from the Start/Finish line was last years winner Stephen Wylie from Cambuslang. It would be fair to say he was 'pure flyin' as he made light of the last 1/2km down to the finish, winning in a new Course Record of 16.56. Outstanding given the challenges & terrain of the trails. Second home was the 1st years winner Robert Gilroy (we think he might have won if he had still had blond hair) just keeping a bit of distance between himself & 3rd place Stephen Matthews.

First Lady home in 21.37 was Jo Clark from local club Motherwell AC followed in by Jessie Miller from Motherwell AC & in 3rd place Carol Munro. From Motherwell AC.
Motherwell always have great success at the ATHelite 5k & also cleared up the Male & Female Team prizes as well as Vet & Super Vet categories so a good day for the club.

Some good performances from the Harriers - first home was Andy Buchanen in 18.33 & 6th overall. Ben Ferguson was 10th overall in 19.42 & 3rd Junior. The 'Phiminator' Stephen Phimister was an excellent 18th in 20.32. First & only Calderglen Lady was Claire Brady in 26.00 mins followed closely by Richard Lawton in 26.07. Marathon training Davy Searil (26.08) chose to run from Ek to Hamilton as a warm up & Don Kennedy completed the line up in 27.06.

Many more runners continued over the finish line to collect their well deserved Goody Bags of Mugs, Energy Bars, Water & a cheeky Tunnocks.

Well done to everyone who took part in this challenging but scenic race & we look forward to seeing you next year for another go at it.

Full results here: http://www.calderglenharriers.org.uk/ATHelite5k_2009Results02.pdf

Russels photos here .... http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/ATHelite.net/ATHeliteRunInThePark5k2009?feat=directlink

Finally, BIG thanks to all the helpers & marshalls for taking a bit of time out to help us as always. It is much appreciated by us & indeed all the runners. Thank you & HAPPY RUNNING!!!

Colin