Christmas Handicap

The setting for the Christmas Handicap really was Christmas card perfect today and the Harriers young and old were out in full technicolour. After a last minute course inspection (I'm calling it a training run), the drive behind the rugby pitches was deemed too icy and a diversion onto the Torr Trail was implemented. This shorter lap meant 6 laps were required to keep the total distance near to 4 miles. A large group of the Harriers' Junior athletes set off first and revelled in the snowy conditions. Soon afterwards the first senior Harrier was off and running as Russell Couper donned his beard and Santa costume. Thereafter the pictures tell the story of the race better than I can, so on to the results.

In the handicap first across the line was a beltless Richard Lawton (30:30). Chas started off with the kids and so did an extra lap but after some arithmetic it was established that his time for the

last 6 laps would have brought him in second. In third place and fastest time of the day (23:49) was Ewan Murray, recently selected to represent West District at the forthcoming Hollyrood International Cross Country. After a moving tribute at the prize giving by Chas, the first three were presented with the prizes donated by the Duthie Family in memory of Margaret Anne.

Following on from the first 3, the finishing order was Brian Bourke (24:44), Richard Campbell (26:51), Andy Henderson (26:20), Jamie McMonagle (26:17), Alan Cullie (24:44), Stephen Phimister (29:40), Russell Couper (33:51), Jim Holmes (26:45), Stephen Reilly (26:00), Eddie Reid (26:22), Mary Goldsmith (31:22), Ian Rae (30:05), George Stewart (31:22), Frances Maxwell (32:20) and David Wardrope (31:08). Note that the times are only approximate as there was absolute chaos at the start with many Harriers missing their assigned start time.

Well done to all and thanks to all the supporters who endured the icy conditions.

Alan